Harris County, TX Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- County Service
- None: private haulers only
- MUD Service
- Some MUDs arrange collection
- Illegal Dumping
- Criminal offense under TX HSC 365
- Schedule
- Varies by private provider
Summary
Unincorporated Harris County does not provide municipal trash pickup. Residents must contract with private waste haulers for collection. Some MUDs and special districts arrange collection for their service areas. No county-wide pickup schedule or rules exist.
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. ... (d) An offense under Subsection (a), (b), or (c) is a Class C misdemeanor if the litter or other solid waste to which the offense applies weighs five pounds or less or has a volume of five gallons or less. ...
Full Breakdown
Harris County government does not operate a trash collection service for unincorporated areas. Residents arrange their own service through private waste companies such as Waste Management or Republic Services. Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) and other special districts serving unincorporated areas often negotiate group rates and set collection schedules for their residents. Pickup frequency, bin size, and recycling options vary by provider and district. Illegal dumping in unincorporated areas is a criminal offense under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 365.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Harris County pick up trash in unincorporated areas?
Where do I report illegal dumping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
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