MAYOR BILL WHITE KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN TO REDUCE ILLEGAL DUMPING "Stop Trashing Houston" Campaign Begins with Help of a Grant from Houston Galveston Area Council
October 13, 2004 -- Mayor Bill White today declared the City is taking a tougher stand against those who illegally dump trash. The Houston Police Department, Solid Waste Management, Municipal Courts, Houston Fire Department and Citizens Assistance Offices have joined forces to address violators of the ordinance regarding heavy trash placement. Previously, the city issued a warning and allowed time for the violation to be corrected. By the end of November, violators will be ticketed without warning.
“Houstonians desire to be proud of where they live,” said Mayor White. “We are going to make it tougher on people who trash Houston. We want the community to know we are serious about protecting neighborhoods from these conditions. This is just the first of several steps we will be taking to improve our neighborhoods.”
People who put heavy trash out before and after the allotted window of time will face a citation that carries a penalty between $50 and $2,000. Each subsequent conviction is punishable by a fine of no less than $250 and no more than $2,000. Each day that any violation continues may be punishable as a separate offense.
“We are strengthening City ordinances to make prosecution more effective and more efficient,” said Chief Brian Lumpkin, Manager of neighborhood services. “We are empowering city employees who are out and about in the city to help enforce these rules. We believe that this zero tolerance policy will allow us to help maintain a cleaner, safer Houston.”
The City has received assistance from the Houston Galveston Area Council and Ad Agency Rives Carlberg in the effort to inform the community. HGAC presented a check for over $250,000 to the city for education, public services announcements, and cameras to deter illegal dumping. A portion of the grant will be used to promote the City’s “Stop Trashing Houston” campaign. Advocates from many Houston organizations whose goal is to maintain a clean, beautiful city have provided input on this campaign, including Keep Houston Beautiful and Scenic Houston.
Once a month, residents can dispose of large items such as furniture, appliances, large tree branches and up to 4 tires through the heavy trash pickup service. Heavy trash should be placed adjacent to the front curb in a location easily accessible to the collection vehicle between the hours of 6:00 p.m. the Friday before and 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled collection day.
Residents may also dispose of heavy trash at one of the City’s neighborhood depository facilities. Each user must provide proof of residency, including a Texas Driver’s License or ID, a current utility bill or city property tax receipt. Locations are open Wednesday through Sunday except holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Residents can find their scheduled heavy trash pickup day or information about a neighborhood depository by calling 3-1-1 or by going to the Solid Waste Management Department web site at www.houstonsolidwaste.org.
