NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Houston
Mark Wilfalk, Director
Solid Waste Management Dept.
John Whitmire, Mayor
City of Houston
Solid Waste Management Announces
Completion of Second Pass for Hurricane Beryl Debris Collection
HOUSTON — September 20, 2024: This weekend, the City of Houston's Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) will complete its second pass collection of storm debris, marking a crucial milestone in the city's recovery following Hurricane Beryl. The storm that swept through Houston on July 8 left over 3 million cubic yards of debris. The second pass, which concludes on Saturday, September 21, 2024, ensures that the remaining debris is cleared, leaving no areas overlooked.
Hurricane Beryl occurred shortly after the May 16 Derecho windstorm and caused widespread damage throughout the city; compounding the volume of storm debris left behind in neighborhoods throughout the city. Over 1.7 million cubic yards of debris were removed during the initial recovery phase. The second pass, which began on September 2, focused on collecting any remaining storm debris left from the first pass.
Hurricane Beryl came with debris cleanup already underway. Despite these challenges, SWMD crews and contractors have worked to quickly recover from both storms, collecting over 4.7 million cubic yards. “Houston has faced many challenges in recent months, from the Kingwood flood, Derecho windstorm to Hurricane Beryl, but time and again, our community has proven its resilience," said Mark Wilfalk, Director of the Solid Waste Management Department. "Our teams have worked efficiently and safely to ensure every affected neighborhood received adequate debris removal services. We are proud of the progress we’ve made, and we deeply appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we bring this process to a close.”
With the conclusion of storm debris collection, SWMD will transition back to its routine heavy trash collection schedule. Storm debris is also accepted at your neighborhood drop-off centers, which will return to regular operating hours, open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please download the department’s mobile app, HTX Collects, for a list of drop-off locations, timely updates and reminders
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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.
