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Houston, TX Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Frequency
Every other month, up to 6/year
Set-out window
6 p.m. Fri–7 a.m. service day
Placement
Behind curb line, not street
Agency
Solid Waste Management Department
Not accepted
Garbage, electronics, paint, C&D debris

Summary

Houston's Solid Waste Management Department collects heavy trash every other month: up to six curbside pickups a year. Set items behind the curb line between 6:00 p.m. the Friday before and 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.

Place heavy trash at the curb between 6:00 p.m. the Friday before and 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Set items just behind the curb line in front of your home. Do not place items in the street or on sidewalks. ... Heavy Trash: Collected every other month (up to six curbside collections per calendar year for eligible addresses).

View official code

Full Breakdown

The Solid Waste Management Department runs heavy trash on a bimonthly cycle: eligible single-family addresses get up to six curbside collections per calendar year, separate from weekly garbage. Place items just behind the curb line in front of your home between 6:00 p.m. the Friday before your service day and 7:00 a.m. that morning, and keep them out of the street, off sidewalks, and clear of wires, meters, and hydrants. The program excludes bagged household garbage, electronics, paint and chemicals, dirt and sod, roofing shingles, and contractor-generated construction debris. Look up your service day with the department's online address tool.

Violations & Fines

Items set out early, placed in the street or on sidewalks, or containing prohibited materials like construction debris or household hazardous waste can be skipped or left uncollected; refrigerant-bearing appliances need certified removal before pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is heavy trash collected in Houston?
Every other month. Eligible single-family addresses get up to six curbside heavy trash collections per calendar year, in the months alternating with regular weekly garbage-only service.
When can I put heavy trash at the curb?
Between 6:00 p.m. the Friday before your scheduled collection day and 7:00 a.m. that morning. Set items just behind the curb line, not in the street or on sidewalks.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Houston

Bulk Item DisposalLight RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingFew Restrictions

All Houston rules

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