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Operations Update

  Operations Update as of July 28, 2021

Recycling Operations are experiencing service delays in all quadrants of the City.

If your service is A-Week, please leave your cart at the curb, we are working to complete these routes.


Solid Waste Management Department’s tree waste collection crews will collect only “clean” green placed out for collection in the month of July 2021.

JULY is (odd month) Tree Waste Month. “Tree Waste” is defined as “clean” wood waste such as tree limbs, branches, and stumps. Lumber, furniture, and treated wood will NOT be accepted.

Junk Waste may NOT be placed for collection during a Tree Waste month.

Residents who wish to dispose of Tree Waste or Junk Waste before their scheduled once-per-month collection may use one of six Neighborhood Depository/Recycling Centers. For more information, visit the Neighborhood Depository/Recycling Center web page here or call 3-1-1.

A few reminders:

  • No more than 8 cubic yards (about the size of a minivan) of tree waste may be placed at the curb for collection.
  • Solid Waste management is NOT allowed to collect any material that was generated by contractors.

Solid Waste crews are working diligently to remain on schedule with the support of contractor crews. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and want to ensure residents that we're making every effort to avoid delays in our service.


The Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) is experiencing service delays in all quadrants of the City due to the increased amount of debris placed out for collection and driver shortages in our critical classifications.

As a result, SWMD is adjusting operations and updating collection schedules to serve Houston residents. The department is also hiring Commercial Truck Drivers and offering a signing incentive pay for these critical classifications.

All interested applicants are asked to visit houstontx.gov/careers to submit an employment application.

For more information about SWMD and our services, visit us at www.houstonsolidwaste.org, “LIKE” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/houstonsolidwaste, follow us on Twitter @houstontrash, or call 3-1-1, the City of Houston’s Customer Service Helpline.

ABOUT HOUSTON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

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.