Texas City, TX Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Section 53.17 of the Texas City Code of Ordinances governs dumpster service. Commercial customers that generate enough waste to require dumpster service must contract with the city's exclusive franchise hauler, and they pay that hauler directly for services rendered rather than through the city bill. Owners must provide an access route capable of supporting the container service truck. If a dumpster is unserviceable, such as by being blocked or containing prohibited items, the service truck returns to empty it only after the dumpster is serviceable or the prohibited items are removed, and the customer can be charged an extra trip charge. Lids and doors must be kept closed except when the dumpster is being filled, and the owner or occupant of the premises is responsible for keeping the area around the container clean and clear of all garbage, trash and debris.

Related sections fill in the rest. Monthly dumpster rates are established by a City Commission resolution published at least 30 days before the effective date (§ 53.18), and collection frequency follows individual collection agreements with the hauler (§ 53.19). Location of commercial containers is at the direction of the Refuse Services Department (§ 53.06(A)). No collection of commercial refuse can happen in residential areas before 7:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. (§ 53.21). Under § 53.99(B), no person may obstruct a commercial-type container by parking in front of it or in any way that interferes with servicing, and no one may make a fire or burn material in a container furnished by the city or its franchise hauler, or paint, mark or post a sign on it. Only the owner or occupant paying the pickup charge may put anything in the container.