June 23, 2006 - The Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) went out to flood-affected areas today to pickup storm debris that was placed at the curb for collection. The SWMD will return to the Southeast (primarily Key Map 533 T, U, and V; 534 N, P, Q, R, S, T, X, W and Z; 535 V and W; 574C and D; 576E and F) and Inwood Forest areas on tomorrow (Saturday, June 24^th) beginning 7:00 a.m. to collect any additional storm debris. Residents are encouraged to bring their storm debris to the curb for collection away from mailboxes, low wires and/or trees as soon as possible. SWMD Director Buck Buchanan stated, "We are attempting to get as much of the storm debris up on this 2^nd pass tomorrow, however we will go back if necessary this week or when practical."

City of Houston residents wanting to dispose of storm debris, scrap tires and heavy trash such as carpet, carpet padding and furniture, may also do so by bringing the item(s) to one of the SWMD neighborhood depositories. The locations (listed below) are open 5 days per week Wednesday through Sunday, except holidays, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each user must provide proof of residency, including a Texas Driver's License or ID, a current utility bill or city property tax receipt. Citizens are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow adequate time to unload.

5565 Kirkpatrick	9200 Lawndale	5100 Sunbeam
713.675.3208	713.926.1247	713.738.1936
Key Map 455 N	Key Map 535 G	Key Map 573 D

The neighborhood depositories accept furniture, tree limbs, stoves and other large appliances.  Appliances containing refrigerant must have a tag attached to them certifying that a qualified technician has removed the refrigerant.  Depositories will also accept up to 10 automobile tires per trip per residential unit.  A maximum of four cubic yards of building material (not to include roofing shingles, brick, plaster or concrete) will be accepted.

All neighborhood depositories also accept recyclables.  Materials accepted include aluminum and tin cans, wood waste, plastic bottles and jugs (#1 and #2), newspapers and magazines, glass bottles and jars, and used motor oil.

The Solid Waste Management Department 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.

For more information regarding solid waste services or to report storm debris, please call 311 or log onto the Solid Waste Management web site at www.houstonsolidwaste.org.