Solid Waste Management Department
"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.
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Volunteers from the SWMD and Rebuild Together Houston team up to renovate the home of a Houstonian!
SWMD Wins Awards at the 2013 TXSWANA Conference
The SWMD was recognized with the Safety Award for Distinguished Service and Excellent Performance at the 2013 TXSWANA Conference. Congratulations to everyone for job well done!
(L to R - Anthony Bowie, Vic Ayres, Demarcus Glass, Galen Billington, Jeff Williams, Chadwick Williams, Harry J. Hayes and David McCary)
"Growing Up Recycling" Cart Decorating Contest
The City of Houston's Solid Waste Management and Human Resources Departments joined forces to host a unique art competition and exhibit consisting of decorating green, 96-gallon recycling carts with recycled materials and art supplies. The "Growing Up Recycling" contest challenge was accepted by eleven local high schools, who decorated the carts in a recycling or environmental theme. These schools include Chavez, Jones, Klein Forest, Jane Long Middle School/High School, the Monarch School, Sam Houston, Scarborough, St. Thomas, Waltrip, Wheatley and Yates.
Houston Business Recycling Program
The City of Houston strives to save businesses money, protect the environment and keep Houston clean.
Sign up today! Visit the Business Recycling page here to read more...
Do you have photos of your recycling or reuse projects?
We would love to see what you did with your reused and recycled materials to make new art projects!
Remember: May is a Tree Waste Month
In alternating months, residents may dispose of their Tree Waste and Junk Waste at their curbside. This method of collecting your large waste comes with the benefits of diverting materials that can be recycled from landfills, saving landfill space and your valuable tax dollars. Read more about the program here.
Want to know when your SWMD service days are? Visit our online search tool, MYCITY and enter your Houston area address for information.
Recycling Goes Green
Join the Solid Waste Management Department and the Montrose Management District for a recycling networking event.
Thursday, May 23
Light Bulbs Unlimited Houston,TX 77006
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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.
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Our Community Partners
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The City of Houston and The Houston Apartment Association Launch New "Go Green Community" Recycling Initiative to Increase Recycling in Apartment Communities. |
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 423,000 households, of which 376,820 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, tree waste/junk waste recycling collection, dead animal collection, the operation of neighborhood depository sites for tree waste/junk waste 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 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 stores.
Public Information Office Press Releases
May 21, 2013 |
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April 25, 2013 |
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT (SWMD) WINNER OF TWO TxSWANA AWARDS
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March 6, 2013 |
NEIGHBORHOOD DEPOSITORY & RECYCLING CENTERS' HOURS CHANGE DUE TO BEGINNING OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
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| February 26, 2013 |
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| February 21, 2013 |
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT (SWMD) MASCOTS COMPETE IN MASCOT MADNESS |
| February 6, 2013 |
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| January 14, 2013 | |
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 Harry J. 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 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 website here.
Related Article - Waste and Recycling News - "Proper documentation needs to be stressed"
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