Houston provides curbside single-stream recycling collected every other week in the green 96-gallon cart. While recycling is strongly encouraged, Houston does not mandate residential recycling. Contamination rules restrict what can go in the green bin.
Houston's Solid Waste Management Department provides single-stream curbside recycling in a green 96-gallon cart collected every other week. Accepted items include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers, metal cans, and glass. Prohibited items include batteries, electronics, shredded paper, tanglers (cords, hoses, wires, clothing), food, liquids, bagged recycling, furniture, household goods, scrap wood, scrap metal, helium tanks, and yard waste. Recycling is voluntary for single-family residential properties; there is no mandatory recycling ordinance. Multi-family properties and commercial operations have separate recycling arrangements. The city encourages recycling through education programs but relies on voluntary participation. Contaminated recycling loads may be rejected.
No penalties for not recycling. Contaminated recycling bins may not be emptied and may result in warning tags.
Houston, TX
Smoke alarms in Houston dwellings are governed by Tex. Health & Safety Code Chapter 766 and the Houston Fire Code, which adopts the International Fire Code (...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. With no zoning and limited aesthetic c...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatable size, location, lighting, and motor noise are governed by subdiv...
Houston, TX
Houston has no municipal ordinance regulating holiday light displays. With no zoning and limited aesthetic regulation, holiday lighting is governed by deed r...
Houston, TX
Houston requires building permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Standalone freestan...
Houston, TX
Houston has no specific ordinance prohibiting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance complaints may be addressed under Chapt...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle recycling requirements.
See how Houston's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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