"Working to make Houston a Cleaner, Greener Place to Live"
The Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) provides solid waste services to the citizens of Houston through the collection, disposal and recycling of discarded material in a manner that is safe, efficient, environmentally sound and cost-effective.
Remember: May is a Tree Waste Month...
A friendly reminder...
When placing your carts at the curb, remember to leave 3 feet between each cart and other objects such as cars, trees, and mailboxes so the SWMD trucks can pick them up quickly and easily.
If you have questions regarding The Scrap Tire Program, please call the City’s Customer Service hotline 3-1-1.
Our Community Partners
Go Green Communities
The City of Houston and The Houston Apartment Association Launch New "Go Green Community" Recycling Initiative to Increase Recycling in Apartment Communities.
Houston Business Automated Recycling Program
Take advantage of Automated Curbside Recycling available exclusively to businesses in the Montrose Management District in a new city program. The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department and the Montrose Management District are teaming up to save businesses money, protect the environment and keep Houston clean.
Sign-up by completing the Enrollment package (.pdf) and return to the SWMD!
View the Houston Business Automated Recycling Program commercial on YouTube here...
Solid Waste Management Department Information
The Trash Facts - Information about the services that are available from the SWMD for residents of Houston.
Quick Links
Tree Waste / Junk Waste • 2012 Holiday Schedule • 2012 Recycling Calendar Information
About the SWMD • Trash Facts • Community • Employees • Recycling • News, Press, and Media Services • Electronics Recycling • Schedule • SWMD Green • Employment
SWMD Depository/Recycling Centers
Environmental Service Centers • Neighborhood Depositories/ Recycling Centers
Westpark Consumer Recycling Center • ReUse Warehouse • Electronics Recycling
SWMD En Español • Trash Facts - En Español
SWMD News
Wasting No Time
The SWMD's TV show, featuring the latest information and news about the Solid Waste Management Department.
View the show's library on HTV's website here...
Director Hayes addresses the issues of Managing Waste from Natural Disasters
City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department Director Harry J. Hayes, DRC and BDR panelists address audience questions in the "Managing Waste from Natural Disasters" educational session at the 2011 WasteExpo in Dallas, Texas. Hayes presented on Houston's debris removal and recycling efforts after Hurricane Ike. He reports, "It was a well attended, received and successful presentation. Lots of inquiries for information and how to after the effort. I'm proud of what my city has done and that others want to emulate us."
For more info, visit the WasteExpo 2011 website here
Related Article - Waste and Recycling News - "Proper documentation needs to be stressed"
• Article - Economy spurs waste districts to adapt
• Article - No Excuse to Dump in Southwest Houston
• Article - Another Man's Treasure
• City to save more than $70 Million from renegotiated disposal and transfer station contracts.
About the Director
In August 2007, Mayor Bill White and City Council unanimously confirmed North Operations Deputy Director, Harry J. Hayes, as the new director of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department. As Director, Hayes oversees a $65.5 million budget and is responsible for solid waste services to approximately 408,000 households, of which 368,000 homes are directly serviced by the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department. In addition to garbage collection services, Hayes has oversight for yard trimmings recycling, heavy trash/tree waste recycling collection, dead animal collection, the operation of neighborhood depository sites for heavy trash drop-off, as well as a variety of recycling opportunities and 3 transfer stations. He is also responsible for the City of Houston’s debris management operations.
Contact the Department
Solid Waste Management Department
P.O. Box 1562
Houston, TX 77251
E-Mail: swddirector@houstontx.gov
Customer Service Request
Call: 3-1-1
Online: 3-1-1 Self Service Online Web Requests
Caring for our Environment
When it comes to Yard Trimmings, You have options!
Visit each tab for more information...
Grasscycling | Compostable Bags | Composting
Compostable bags are available at these Houston area Retailers
Keep Houston Beautiful
Keep Houston Beautiful is the city's leading organization in beautification, litter reduction and recycling education. (Note: Keep Houston Beautiful is the dba name for the Clean City Commission established by city ordinance.)
Living Earth Houston Mulch is now available at Lowe's and HEB stores!
Did you know that Yard Trimmings and Tree Waste collected by the City of Houston are taken to area Living Earth facilities for processing instead of going to the landfill? The material is first processed through a grinder, then composted and eventually becomes Houston Mulch. You can purchase Houston Mulch at area Lowe's Home Improvement and HEB stores.
Public Information Office Press Releases
Memorial Day Holiday Collection Schedule - May 28, 2012
HOUSTON HOSTS MOBILE BOPA AND ELECTRONIC RECYCLING COLLECTION EVENT AT HCC NORTHEAST NORTHLINE CAMPUS
The City of Houston and The Houston Apartment Association Launch New Go Green Community Recycling Initiative Program Aims to Increase Recycling in Apartment Communities
CITY OF HOUSTON AND COMPUCYCLE ADD PERMANENT RECYCLING DROP-OFF SITE AND ONE DAY COLLECTION EVENTS FOR ELECTRONICS