Houston trash collection: Ultimate 2025 Guide

Your Ultimate Guide to Waste Management in the Bayou City

Houston trash collection involves multiple service providers and waste streams that property managers need to understand. Here’s what you need to know:

Primary Houston Trash Collection Services:

• City of Houston SWMD – Provides curbside garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection for single-family homes.
• Private haulers – Serve apartments, businesses, and some residential areas.
• Collection types – Regular garbage, curbside recycling, yard waste, and bulk items (junk/tree waste on alternating months).
• Key tools – The HTX Collects mobile app for schedules and alerts.
• Holiday impacts – Service suspensions on 11 major holidays with staggered makeup schedules.

Whether you’re managing a single-family rental or a 200-unit complex, understanding Houston’s waste management system is crucial for keeping your properties clean and compliant.

The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department handles most residential collection, while private companies fill the gaps for multifamily and commercial properties. Each provider has different schedules, accepted materials, and pricing structures.

Storm debris requires special handling, and recycling contamination from items like plastic bags remains a major issue.

I’m Moe Shariff, owner of multiple Houston service companies including American Trash Services, and I’ve spent over eight years navigating Houston trash collection challenges for property managers. Through my experience with Apartment Services Group, I’ve seen how proper waste management can make or break a property’s operational efficiency.

Quick Houston trash collection terms:

• Houston bulk trash

Navigating Houston’s Waste Services: City vs. Private Providers

Figuring out who picks up your trash in Houston is simpler than it seems. Houston trash collection is a mix of city services and private companies, each serving different property types.

Who Manages Your Trash?

If you live in a single-family home within city limits, the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) handles your trash, recycling, and yard waste. Their automated trucks manage scheduled neighborhood collections.

However, if you live in an apartment complex, manage a business, or are in a Municipal Utility District (MUD) or Homeowner Association (HOA), you’ll likely work with private haulers. These companies fill the gaps where city services don’t reach, providing the backbone of waste management for multi-family and commercial properties.

This distinction is crucial for apartment managers. Your needs—larger containers, more frequent pickups, and specialized options like valet trash—differ from a single-family home. More info about apartment complex solutions.

Primary Trash and Recycling Services Offered

No matter the provider, Houston trash collection includes five core services:

• Curbside garbage collection: The weekly pickup of regular household waste. Private companies offer flexibility in container size and pickup frequency for apartments and businesses.

• Curbside recycling: The city-wide effort to keep recyclable materials out of landfills using green bins. Knowing what to recycle is key, as contamination is a major issue.

• Yard waste pickup: Weekly collection for grass clippings, leaves, and small branches from single-family homes, typically requiring city-approved compostable bags.

• Bulk waste collection: For items too big for regular bins. The city separates “Tree Waste” (clean wood) from “Junk Waste” (furniture, appliances) with different collection schedules. Private providers often offer more flexible bulk solutions.

• Special waste disposal: Covers items needing extra care, like household hazardous waste, electronics, and storm debris. Houston has dedicated facilities and guidelines for these materials to ensure community and environmental safety.

Understanding which services you need and who provides them is the first step to mastering your property’s waste management.

Mastering Your Houston Trash Collection Schedule

Missing a pickup day for your Houston trash collection is easy with holidays and unpredictable weather. Thankfully, the city provides several tools to keep you on track.

Finding Your Collection Day

For City of Houston services, the HTX Collects App is essential. It sends pickup reminders and service delay alerts directly to your phone. You can Download the HTX Collects App from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Alternatively, use the online SWMD Collection Schedule Map to find schedules by address, or visit HoustonRecycles.org to print a calendar and set up email reminders. You can even download your schedule to iCal, Google, or Outlook. If you use private haulers, check their websites for similar tools.

Holiday Schedules and Service Disruptions

The City of Houston observes 11 major holidays that disrupt Houston trash collection: New Year’s Day, MLK Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas. A holiday typically shifts collection days for the rest of the week. The SWMD Holiday Schedule Information details these changes.

Weather disruptions also cause service shutdowns. During severe weather, check the HTX Collects app and the city’s website for updates on recovery plans and staggered restarts.

Understanding Bulk Waste Schedules: Tree vs. Junk Waste

Houston’s bulk waste system alternates monthly between tree waste and junk waste. Tree waste includes clean wood like limbs and branches, while junk waste covers furniture, appliances, and other large items.

• Tree waste is collected during odd-numbered months (Jan, Mar, etc.).
• Junk waste is collected during even-numbered months (Feb, Apr, etc.).

The city picks up to eight cubic yards per residence. This alternating schedule works for single-family homes, but apartment complexes often need more flexible bulk waste solutions to meet year-round resident needs.

A Guide to Proper Waste Disposal in Houston

Properly sorting waste for Houston trash collection is crucial for a smooth process and a clean community. Understanding what goes where can save you from headaches and rejected bins.

Curbside Recycling: What’s In and What’s Out

Recycling in Houston works best when everyone follows the rules, as one contaminated item can spoil a whole batch. Always rinse containers and place items loose in the bin.

• Accepted: Paper, flattened cardboard, plastic bottles/jugs (#1-5 & 7), aluminum/steel cans, and glass bottles/jars.
• Not Accepted: Plastic bags, Styrofoam, and food-soiled containers (like greasy pizza boxes). Plastic bags are the top contaminant, as they jam sorting machinery.

Guidelines for Yard, Storm, and Bulk Waste

Yard waste like grass and leaves must be in city-approved compostable bags (<50 lbs). Small branches must be bundled (<4 ft long, <18 in diameter, <40 lbs).

Storm debris has specific rules. Tree limbs must be under 4 inches in diameter and bundled properly. Prioritize regular household garbage after a storm.

Furniture and appliances are collected as junk waste during even-numbered months. Appliances with refrigerants need certification that the refrigerant was professionally removed. The city has an 8 cubic yard limit for bulk collection. More info about bulk trash removal.

Handling Hazardous Waste and Electronics

Certain items don’t belong in regular Houston trash collection. Household hazardous waste (HHW)—like paint, solvents, motor oil, and chemicals—can be taken to Houston’s Environmental Service Centers.

Electronics like computers and TVs, along with all types of batteries, contain hazardous components and must be disposed of separately. The Westpark Recycling Center offers a convenient drive-through for electronics, batteries, oil, and paint. Never put these items in trash or recycling bins. The city’s Trash Facts Guide provides detailed guidelines.

Best Practices for Flawless Houston Trash Collection

Smooth Houston trash collection depends on proper placement and management. Following a few best practices ensures automated trucks can service your bins without issue.

How to Place Your Carts for Pickup

Automated trucks need your help to work correctly. Place carts at the curb between 6 p.m. the night before and 7 a.m. on collection day, and retrieve them by 10 p.m. that night.

• Handles face your house, with the metal bar facing the street.
• Leave at least three feet between carts and other objects (mailboxes, poles).
• Allow five feet of clearance from parked cars.
• Ensure there are no overhead obstructions like low branches or wires.
• Keep the lid completely closed.

Managing Your Service: Fees, Bins, and Support

For extra garbage, the City’s Add-A-Can program provides an additional container for a monthly fee, while Tags for Bags allow for occasional overflow. The City replaces damaged cart parts (wheels, lids) for free. For missed collections or other issues with City service, call 3-1-1. Be aware that solid waste violations can result in fines from $50 to $2,000.

Apartment complexes have more complex needs, where services like Houston Trash Valet Services can streamline waste management for residents and property managers.

The Role of Technology in Houston Waste Management

Technology has simplified Houston trash collection. The HTX Collects mobile app provides personalized schedules, reminders, and service alerts. Its built-in Waste Wizard tool tells you how to dispose of any item, helping reduce recycling contamination. You can also integrate your schedule with digital calendars like iCal, Google, or Outlook. These tools make managing waste easier than ever. Download the HTX Collects App to stay organized.

Streamlining Waste Management for Your Property

For property managers in Houston, effective waste management means creating a seamless system. The right approach can turn a constant headache into a smooth operation.

Key Differences: Residential vs. Commercial Services

Houston trash collection differs greatly between property types. Single-family homes use 96-gallon carts provided by the City of Houston SWMD for a simple weekly service. Commercial properties and apartment complexes have more complex needs, requiring services like dumpster rentals, compactor services, and more frequent pickups to handle higher waste volumes. This complexity is reflected in service contracts and costs. For a holistic approach to property care, see our guide on Multifamily Property Maintenance.

Solutions for Apartment Complexes and Multifamily Properties

High resident density at apartment complexes creates unique challenges that require thoughtful solutions:

• Centralized Dumpsters: Proper sizing and strategic placement are key to avoiding overflow and unnecessary costs.
• Valet Trash Services: This popular amenity boosts resident satisfaction. Residents place bagged trash outside their door for nightly collection, eliminating trips to the dumpster and keeping common areas clean.
• Bulk Item Coordination: Establishing a clear process for residents to dispose of large items like furniture prevents unsightly “mattress graveyards.”
• Resident Communication: Clear, consistent messaging about recycling rules and schedules is vital for compliance and cleanliness.
• Cleanliness Standards: Regular cleaning of waste areas signals quality management and protects property values.

Our Guide to Apartment Trash Services offers more detail on optimizing these systems.

Houston’s Sustainability and Recycling Initiatives

Houston offers several programs that help properties contribute to sustainability:

• Reuse Warehouse: Collects used building materials for non-profit community projects.
• Neighborhood Depositories/Recycling Centers: The Westpark Recycling Center is a drive-through facility for recyclables, electronics, tires, and more.
• Environmental Service Centers (ESCs): Provide safe disposal for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and electronics.

These initiatives are practical tools for property managers to improve their reputation and contribute to Houston’s environmental goals. Our Eco-Friendly Apartment Trash Solutions guide shows how green practices can benefit your property.

Conclusion: A Cleaner Houston Starts at Your Curb

Managing Houston trash collection is straightforward when you have the right information. This guide has equipped you to handle waste management with confidence, keeping your property clean and compliant.

Key takeaways for success include:

• Know your provider: Understand the rules for the City of Houston SWMD or your private hauler.
• Follow the schedule: Use tools like the HTX Collects app to track pickup days, holidays, and weather delays.
• Sort properly: Rinse recyclables and keep contaminants like plastic bags out of the green bin.
• Place carts correctly: Follow the 3-foot rule and other placement guidelines for safe, efficient collection.

By using available technology and following disposal guidelines, you contribute to a cleaner, greener Houston.

For multifamily properties seeking a comprehensive and hassle-free waste management partner, Apartment Services Group offers expert solutions. We transform waste management from a daily headache into a seamless operation that improves resident life, offering services from valet trash to bulk item coordination. We handle the details so you can focus on what matters most.

Find our complete apartment complex solutions and find how we can improve your property’s waste management.