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Houston, TX Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Provided
One recycling cart per household
Cost
Bundled into garbage container fee
Storage duty
Screen cart from street view
Replacement
Free every 10 years for wear
Penalty
$50-$2,000 per day, Sec. 39-4

Summary

Houston Public Works' Solid Waste Management division supplies one automated recycling cart per residential unit customer under City Code § 39-62, bundling the cost into the monthly garbage container fee billed through the water account.

The division shall provide one automated service container and one automated recycling container to each residential unit customer. The monthly fee for the provision, management, and use of the containers for basic garbage collection service is stated in the city fee schedule.

Source: Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 39 – Solid Waste and Litter Control (Recycling Requirements)View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Code of Ordinances § 39-62(a)(1)a, the solid waste management division of Houston Public Works issues one automated recycling container to each residential unit customer alongside the garbage cart, with a single monthly fee covering both, billed through the resident's water account. Section 39-62(g) requires residents to store the recycling cart out of view from the street right-of-way except on collection day, unless the property has no other storage location. The division replaces a cart free once every ten years for normal wear, or immediately at no charge if city collectors damage it or it's lost in a mayor-declared disaster.

Violations & Fines

Violating chapter 39 requirements is punishable by a $50-$2,000 fine per Section 39-4, with each day of noncompliance charged as a separate offense; state solid-waste law can add further penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Houston charge extra for the recycling cart?
No separate line item -- Section 39-62(a) bundles the recycling container fee with the automated garbage service fee, billed monthly or annually through the resident's city water account.
Can I hide my recycling cart in the garage?
You must store it out of view from the street per Section 39-62(g), unless your property has nowhere else to put it -- that's a legal defense to prosecution.
What if my recycling cart gets damaged?
The division replaces a cart free once every ten years for normal wear, and immediately at no charge if city collectors damage it.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Houston

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalLight RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome 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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