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Expanded Options for Curbside Yard Waste

Solid Waste Management Department
Announces Changes to Yard Waste Curbside Collection
Houston – May 9, 2024: Houstonians have new options to make yard waste disposal easier and more convenient. Houston Mayor John Whitmire and City Council approved the Solid Waste Management Department’s (SWM) plan to improve the flexibility and convenience for participating residents of the curbside yard waste collection program.

Effective immediately, approved changes to the City’s Code of Ordinances, Articles I and Articles IV, made provisions to expand the set-out options for participating households of the curbside yard waste collection program. City-approved biodegradable bags bearing the City seal are no longer required. Residents now have the options to use any 100% biodegradable bag (or compostable bag) meeting the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6400 or EN 13432 specifications.

“These programmatic enhancements are a direct reflection of recommendations received from a variety of residents and civic groups who support the continued growth of our operations,” said Department Director Mark Wilfalk. Residents may also place curbside yard waste contents in personal reusable refuse containers (excluding city issued 95-gallon refuse carts); or tie and bundle small logs in to 4-foot lengths. Contents in personal reusable containers and bundles of yard waste must not exceed 50 lbs.
How To Participate

The City provides weekly curbside yard waste collection services on the same days as scheduled garbage collection days; (periodic service delays may occur.) Eligible households can participate in the yard waste curbside collection program by placing their materials at least 3-feet away from their regular trash bins or other obstructions on their designated collection days.

As a reminder, service personnel will not collect curbside yard waste mixed with trash, paper, plastic, or any other types of waste. In addition, professional landscaping contractors hired to provide residential services are responsible for properly disposing of any debris resul

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ABOUT HOUSTON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
The Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) provides the city with integrated municipal waste management services designed to support environmental health, sustainability, and economic development in all communities throughout Houston.

For more information about SWMD and our services, visit us at http://www.houstonsolidwaste.org, “LIKE” us on Facebook at @houstonsolidwaste, follow us on X @HoustonTrash. Download our app HTX Collects on Google Play or IOS Store to Never Miss an Update again! Call 3-1-1, the City of Houston’s Customer Service Helpline.

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Mandatory Water Restrictions In Effect

STAGE TWO: MANDATORY WATER USE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT

The City of Houston entered Stage Two of the City’s Drought Contingency Plan, effective August 27, 2023. Stage Two was triggered due to intense heat combined with a significant drop in annual rainfall. This resulted in greater water use and dried up the soil, leading to an increase in water leaks, which can impact water pressures.

The Stage Two designation of the Drought Contingency Plan applies to the entire City, including systems that are supplied by groundwater only. 

Stage Two drought response imposes the following mandatory water use restrictions: 

  • Limit outdoor watering to twice a week between the hours of 7PM and 5AM with the following schedule:
  • Sundays and Thursdays for single-family residential customers with even-numbered street addresses
  • Saturdays and Wednesdays for single-family residential customers with odd-numbered street addresses
  • Tuesdays and Fridays for all other customers
  • Any outdoor water use that results in city water leaving the customer’s property by drainage onto adjacent properties or public or private roadways or streets or gutters shall be unlawful.

Any water customer who violates these watering times will be issued a written warning for a first-time violation. Any subsequent violations are subject to a fine up to $2,000 for each occurrence of the offense (Section 54.001 of the Texas Local Government Code). 

City of Houston Drought Contingency Plan

City of Houston Stage Two Drought Contingency Plan FAQs

Additional tips to conserve water:

  • Check and repair water leaks, including dripping faucets and running toilets. 
  • Check sprinkler heads to make sure water is not spraying into the street or directly into a storm drain and/or gutters. 
  • Avoid washing sidewalks, patio furniture or cars. If you must wash your car, use a car wash. Most car washes use recycled water. 
  • Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when full. 
  • Take shorter showers. 
  • Install a rain barrel and use it for outdoor watering. 
  • Turn off the water when you are not using it (e.g., while brushing teeth, scrubbing hands or shaving). 

For additional water-saving tips, please visit Houston Public Work’s Water Conservation webpage at www.GiveWateraBreak.org  

If you have questions, please contact the Water Programs team at WaterConservation@houstontx.gov