Solid Waste Management
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Houston
Solid Waste Management Dept.
City of Houston
Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD)
2024 Derecho Storm Second Pass Scheduled
HOUSTON – June 26, 2024: After picking up more than 1.55 million cubic yards of storm debris, the City of Houston’s Department of Solid Waste Management (SWMD) will begin the second and final pass of debris collection in earnest on July 8, 2024. Houstonians can expect the second pass to last for 30 days. At the conclusion of the second pass, the remainder of the storm debris operation will consist of completing reduction and restoration.
The first pass will end on June 30. The period between the first and second pass is intended to provide a break for the contractor crews, who have been working seven days a week on their respective routes, and to provide residents additional to prepare their debris for collection.
SWMD urges residents to separate storm debris from bulk waste. Please ensure that tree trunks are 2-3 feet or less in diameter and 3 feet or less in length and tree branches are 6 feet or less in length. In addition, debris piles must be within 10 feet onto private property lines as crews cannot encroach beyond that limit.
The May 16, 2024, Derecho that took Houston by storm is estimated to have created 1.8 million cubic yards of storm debris. So far, the city has collected roughly 1.55 million cubic yards, enough to fill 50% of NRG Stadium.
In May, the City of Houston and SWMD brought in two debris collection contractors and a project monitor to pick up the City’s storm debris. Additionally, in compliance with FEMA requirements for public safety disposal of the storm debris, all the storm debris collected must go to one of four temporary collection sites for reduction. The sites were selected by the storm operations contractors and approved by the City of Houston and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
All vegetative storm debris accumulated at the temporary debris sites, will be processed through woodchippers and grinders. Onsite personnel will maintain safety and minimize the operation’s environmental impact by watering the debris sites to prevent fires and the reduce spread of dust throughout the nearby neighborhoods. Additionally, after-hours security will remain at the temporary debris staging sites during non-operating hours.
The City of Houston expects storm debris operations to conclude in 90 days from the onset, barring any weather delays or additional storms that may produce more vegetative waste debris. Included in the 90-day timeline is the collection, reduction, cleanup, and restoration of the temporary sites back to their original state.
To aid in the coordination of collection efforts, SWMD encourages residents in impacted areas to report all debris removal needs to Houston 311 or call 3-1-1, visit our website at Houstonsolidwaste.org, and download the HTX Collects mobile application.
ABOUT HOUSTON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
The Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) provides the city with integrated municipal waste management services designed to support environmental health, sustainability, and economic development in all communities throughout Houston.
For more information about SWMD and our services, visit us at www.houstonsolidwaste.org, “LIKE” us on Facebook at @houstonsolidwaste, follow us on X @HoustonTrash. Download our app HTX Collects on Google Play or IOS Store to Never Miss an Update again! Call 3-1-1, the City of Houston’s Customer Service Helpline.
What Goes Where?
Enter the item you wish to dispose of into the web tool to find the proper disposal methods and locations, including recycling options and drop-off centers.
Download HtX Collects
