Pickup Rules & Schedules: Houston vs Tomball
How do pickup rules & schedules rules compare between Houston, TX and Tomball, TX?
Tomball has fewer restrictions than Houston.
Houston, TX
Harris County
Houston Solid Waste Management provides curbside garbage and recycling collection under Chapter 39. Bins must be at the curb by 7 AM and removed by 10 PM on collection day. Recycling is collected every other week.
View full Houston rules →Tomball, TX
Harris County
Unincorporated Harris County does not provide municipal trash pickup. Residents must contract with private waste haulers for collection. Some MUDs and special districts arrange collection for their service areas. No county-wide pickup schedule or rules exist.
View full Tomball rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Houston | Tomball |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Houston Code Ch. 39 | - |
| Garbage Collection | Weekly | - |
| Recycling Collection | Every other week | - |
| Bin Placement | Curbside by 7 AM, retrieved by 10 PM | - |
| Yard Waste Bags | Biodegradable bags meeting ASTM D6400/EN 13432 | - |
| County Service | - | None — private haulers only |
| MUD Service | - | Some MUDs arrange collection |
| Illegal Dumping | - | Criminal offense under TX HSC 365 |
| Schedule | - | Varies by private provider |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Houston FAQ
How often does Houston pick up recycling?
Recycling is collected every other week. Garbage and yard waste are collected weekly. Check your specific schedule through the Solid Waste Management Department website or by calling 3-1-1.
What time should I put my trash out in Houston?
Your automated container and recycling bin must be at the curb by 7:00 AM on your collection day and removed by 10:00 PM.
Tomball FAQ
Does Harris County pick up trash in unincorporated areas?
No. Residents must contract with a private waste hauler. Some Municipal Utility Districts arrange group collection services for their areas.
Where do I report illegal dumping?
Report to Harris County Precinct Constable or the Harris County Pollution Control Services Department. Illegal dumping is a criminal offense in Texas.
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