Fort Bend County, TX Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Curbside Service
- Private haulers only
- Enforcement
- Environmental Health Dept
- Illegal Dump Fine
- $500 to $50,000
- Governing Law
- TX Health & Safety 365
Summary
Fort Bend County prohibits illegal dumping and unauthorized disposal of solid waste in unincorporated areas, with enforcement by the Environmental Health Department and constables.
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... (b) A person commits an offense if the person receives litter or other solid waste for disposal at a place that is not an approved solid waste site... (c) A person commits an offense if the person transports litter or other solid waste to a place that is not an approved solid waste site for disposal at the site.
Full Breakdown
Fort Bend County does not provide curbside trash collection in unincorporated areas; residents must contract with private haulers or self-haul to permitted facilities. The county Environmental Health Department enforces Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 365 against illegal dumping, including prohibiting trash burning in barrels and unpermitted dump sites. Service contracts with haulers are required, and any accumulation of waste creating a nuisance can be cited. Residents may also use the county's household hazardous waste collection events.
Violations & Fines
Illegal dumping is a Class C misdemeanor up to felony depending on volume. Fines start at $500 and can reach $50,000 for over 1,000 pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Bend County provide trash pickup?
Can I burn household trash in unincorporated Fort Bend County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Bend County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Fort Bend County to another location·View the Texas trash & recycling overview
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