Solid Waste Management Department

DROP-OFF HOURS:
Tuesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed on Monday and Sunday

Residential Drop-Off Centers

Houstonians may use the Residential Drop-Off Centers up to four times per month. Residents are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time to allow adequate time to unload.

General Rules

  1. Residents may use the facilities up to four (4) times per month (once per week).
  2. Children under 16 must remain inside the vehicle at all times.
  3. Stay with your vehicle until staff direct you to the unloading area.
  4. Speed limit: 5 MPH inside the facility.
  5. Only one vehicle per household may dump at a time.
  6. No pets allowed on-site, even if they remain in the vehicle.
  7. No loitering on the property.
  8. No alcohol or drugs allowed. Violators may be asked to leave and reported to the appropriate authorities.
  9. No profanity or inappropriate language.
  10. No salvaging or scavenging of materials.
  11. Residents who are disruptive to staff or other residents will be asked to leave.

PROOF OF ADDRESS REQUIREMENTS

To drop off bulk waste or tree waste, residents must show:

  • A current Texas-issued ID (Driver’s License, DPS ID, LTC, or Consulate ID)
  • A current City of Houston utility bill or lease agreement
    NOTE: The address on both documents must match.

For residents whose primary home is outside Texas, a current property tax bill is required (name must match the ID).

For recycling only: A current Texas-issued ID is sufficient.

Non-accepted items

  • Garbage/food waste
  • Dead animals
  • Rocks, dirt, bricks
  • TVs
  • Truck tires
  • Paint, chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers
  • Hazardous, toxic, or infectious waste
  • Gasoline or other flammables
  • Acid waste
  • Explosives
  • Hot ashes
  • Liquids of any kind
  • Industrial/tractor-trailer tires
  • Pallets
  • Materials that have been burned

Acceptable Materials

RECYCLABLES
  • Aluminum cans
  • Cardboard
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Magazines and newspapers
  • Steel and tin cans
BULK ITEMS
  • Mattresses
  • Tree waste (leaves must be in compostable bags)
  • Concrete
  • Junk waste (loose materials, such as shingles, must be bagged)
  • Furniture (limit two large items such as couches)
  • Refrigerators (tag required indicating Freon removal)
  • Household appliances (stoves, washers, dryers)
SPECIAL ITEMS
  • Aerosol cans
  • Cartons (shelf stable and refrigerated)
  • All plastic recycling program (all numbers accepted)
  • Up to 5 passenger tires per visit; maximum 10 per month
  • Used motor oil (up to 5 quarts)

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS

Allowed Vehicles:
  • Pickup trucks
  • Small trailers up to 10 ft. in length with sideboards/railings up to 4 ft. high
Vehicles Not Allowed:
  • U‑Hauls
  • Box trucks
  • Sprinter vans
  • Contractor vehicles/vans
  • Dump trailers
  • Trailers with inner compartments longer than 10 ft.
  • Vehicles pulling both a truck bed load and a trailer
  • Propane trucks

UNLOADING PROCEDURES

Residents are responsible for unloading their own items.
  • Please limit unloading to 20 minutes.
  • If unloading takes longer, staff may ask you to re‑enter the line.
  • Use the designated containers for sorting materials.
  • Wait times may vary depending on container availability.

MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Loose materials (shingles, leaves, small items) must be bagged.
  • Contractor‑type materials limited to 4 cubic yards (e.g., about 8 contractor bags).
    Examples: Sheetrock, tile, shingles, lumber, carpet, flooring, cabinetry, plywood.
  • Items such as wood fencing, shelving, and large toys must be broken down completely.
  • Tree stumps or limbs larger than 9 inches in diameter will not be accepted.
  • No contractors with tools or signs of any kind are allowed.
  • Employees may not solicit or accept tips.

SWMD Links

SWMD Recycling Facilities

Solid Waste Management Department Logo

Contact SWMD

611 Walker Street, 12th Floor Floor
Houston, TX 77002