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Houston, TX Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

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

Key Facts

Container weight limit
50 lbs biodegradable bag or bin
Trimming bundle limit
50 lbs, 4 ft long, 18 in diameter
Bundles per collection day
Max four bundles
Collection frequency
Normally weekly with automated pickup
Never allowed in
Automated service containers

Summary

Houston requires yard waste in biodegradable bags or reusable containers under 50 pounds, with tree trimmings tied in limited bundles for weekly automated pickup.

Any person desiring to place yard waste for collection by the city shall cause the same to be placed in biodegradable bags or personal reusable containers not exceeding 50 pounds total weight, provided that tree trimmings having a diameter of less than three inches and related materials may be securely tied in bundles not heavier than 50 pounds and not more than four feet in length nor 18 inches in diameter. No person shall place more than four bundles of tree trimmings for removal on any one day of collection.

Source: Houston Solid Waste Management – Yard WasteView official code

Full Breakdown

Under City Code Sec. 39-76, Houston residents must bag yard waste in biodegradable bags or personal reusable containers weighing no more than 50 pounds. Tree trimmings under three inches in diameter may instead be bundled, each bundle capped at 50 pounds, four feet long, and 18 inches in diameter, but no more than four bundles may be set out per collection day. Loose or improperly bagged/bundled yard waste is left uncollected, and yard waste can never go inside the automated garbage or recycling containers.

Violations & Fines

Improperly bagged, bundled, or overweight yard waste is simply not collected by city crews; repeat curbline violations can also draw solid-waste code enforcement citations under Chapter 39.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put yard waste in my city trash cart?
No. Section 39-76 bars yard waste from automated service containers; it must be bagged or bundled separately at the curb.
How many tree-trimming bundles can I set out at once?
No more than four bundles per collection day, each under 50 pounds and no more than 4 feet long or 18 inches thick.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Houston

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