Houston's Solid Waste Management Department requires trash and recycling bins to be curbside by 7 AM and removed by 10 PM on collection day. Bins must be placed at least 3 feet apart from other objects. Houston Code Chapter 39 governs solid waste and litter control.
Under Houston Code Chapter 39 (Solid Waste and Litter Control) and Solid Waste Management Department rules, the 96-gallon automated garbage container and recycling bins must be placed at the curb by 7:00 AM on collection day and removed by 10:00 PM. Bins must be spaced at least 3 feet from other carts, mailboxes, trees, and parked cars to allow safe truck operation. Containers must fully close with lids shut and may not be overfilled. Blocked or inaccessible carts will not be emptied. Residents should check their specific collection schedule through the City of Houston Solid Waste Management website or 3-1-1. Deed restrictions in many Houston neighborhoods may impose additional rules about bin storage between collection days.
Bins left at curb beyond allowed times or improperly placed may result in warnings and citations. Litter violations under Chapter 39 carry fines.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle trash bin storage.
See how Houston's trash bin storage rules stack up against other locations.
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