Houston Bulk Trash Pickup Rules
Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 8 items per collection. Collected every other month (up to 6 times per year) alternating between Tree Waste and Junk Waste
Houston bulk pickup rules
| Collection rule | Collected every other month (up to 6 times per year) alternating between Tree Waste and Junk Waste |
|---|---|
| Limit per pickup | 8 items |
| Permitted materials | Furniture |
| Advance notice | Required before collection. |
| Dispatch phone | (713) 837-0311 |
Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials
Furniture
AcceptedCouches, chairs, tables, mattresses, box springs, and household furniture accepted on scheduled Junk Waste months.
Appliances
Accepted with conditionsStoves, washers, dryers, and water heaters accepted; units with refrigerant/Freon require a certified technician removal tag.
Construction debris
Accepted with conditionsUp to 4 cubic yards of resident-generated remodeling materials accepted; contractor-generated debris, shingles, brick, plaster, and concrete are prohibited.
How to throw away a mattress in Houston
Follow the listed bulk rule: Collected every other month (up to 6 times per year) alternating between Tree Waste and Junk Waste
Special disposal mandates
Plastic mattress encasement: The listed rules do not require mattress bagging. Confirm any material-specific handling instructions before pickup.
Freon sticker for refrigerant appliances: The sticker requirement has not been verified. Confirm the appliance procedure with dispatch.
Local disposal alternatives in Harris County
For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.
North Neighborhood Depository and Recycling Center
9003 N Main St, Houston, TX 77022
Resident drop-off for bulk items, junk waste, tree waste, and recyclables. Free for Houston residents with proof of address.
Westpark Consumer Recycling Center
5900 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77057
Drive-through recycling depository accepting cardboard, paper, glass bottles, plastics, metal cans, and electronics.
North Environmental Service Center
5614 Neches St, Houston, TX 77026
Specialized facility for safe resident disposal of household hazardous waste, automotive fluids, paint, and electronics.
The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.
DPW & sanitation contact
City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department · municipal dpw
Phone: (713) 837-0311
611 Walker St Fl 12Houston, TX 77002
These collection rules cover Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon–Fri by Street Address).
Trash & recycling questions
What days is trash collected in Houston, TX?
Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out between 6:00 p.m. the day before and 6:00 a.m.. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon–Fri by Street Address).
Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in Houston?
As of 2026-09-23: No observed holidays this week. Collections follow the regular schedule. A listed holiday shifts that day and the remaining collection days in its service week by one day. Observed holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon–Fri by Street Address).
How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in Houston?
Collected every other month (up to 6 times per year) alternating between Tree Waste and Junk Waste The listed limit is 8 items per pickup. Advance notice is required. Contact sanitation at (713) 837-0311 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon–Fri by Street Address).
What items are accepted for recycling in Houston?
The listed accepted materials are Cardboard and cereal boxes (emptied of packing material and flattened), Paper: Newspaper, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, office paper, envelopes, Plastic bottles, tubs, jars, and jugs #1-#5 and #7 (rinsed and drained), Glass bottles and jars (emptied and rinsed), Aluminum and tin/bimetal cans (soup, vegetable, soda cans), Gable-top and shelf-stable food and beverage cartons (milk, juice, soup). Keep these listed prohibited items out: Plastic bags, wrap, film, or bagged recyclables, Styrofoam or polystyrene containers, Batteries, light bulbs, electronics, and cords, Tanglers (hoses, wires, clothing, textiles), Food scraps, liquids, and yard waste. Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon–Fri by Street Address).