Houston, TX Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Houston Code Ch. 39
- Bulk Collection
- Scheduled curbside service
- Prohibited Items
- Chemicals, electronics, construction debris, hot ash
- Construction Debris
- Requires dumpster permit
- Dumpster Permits
- Solid Waste Management Dept. Permit Section
Summary
Houston provides curbside bulk waste collection for large items like furniture and appliances on a scheduled basis. Chapter 39 governs solid waste disposal. Certain items like hazardous materials, construction debris, and electronics have separate disposal requirements.
Sec. 365.012. ILLEGAL DUMPING; DISCARDING LIGHTED MATERIALS; CRIMINAL PENALTIES. (a) A person commits an offense if the person disposes or allows or permits the disposal of litter or other solid waste at a place that is not an approved solid waste site, including a place on or within 300 feet of a public highway, on a right-of-way, on other public or private property, or into inland or coastal water of the state. ... (e) An offense under Subsection (a), (b), or (c) is a Class B misdemeanor if the litter or other solid waste to which the offense applies weighs more than five pounds but less than 500 pounds or has a volume of more than five gallons but less than 100 cubic feet.
Full Breakdown
The Houston Solid Waste Management Department provides scheduled bulk waste collection for items too large for the regular 96-gallon container. Items must be placed curbside on the designated collection day. Acceptable bulk items include furniture, mattresses, and large household items. Items NOT accepted in regular garbage include household chemicals, computer equipment, yard trimmings (separate yard waste collection), hot ash/coal, dead animals, and construction/demolition debris. Electronics should be taken to designated recycling drop-off locations. Construction and demolition debris requires a dumpster permit from the Solid Waste Management Department Permit Section. Illegal dumping is a serious offense under Chapter 39.
Violations & Fines
Illegal dumping carries significant fines under Chapter 39. Placing prohibited items in regular collection may result in non-collection and warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dispose of large furniture in Houston?
Where do I dispose of construction debris in Houston?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas trash & recycling overview
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Bulk Item Disposal in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle bulk item disposal.