Illegal dumping in Houston is costing the city millions of dollars annually and worsening conditions in many neighborhoods.
The accumulation of trash not only harms the city’s appearance but also poses health risks, including the spread of mosquitoes from standing water in discarded tires.
KPRC 2 reporter Zach Lashway accompanied the city’s Heavy Trash “HOT Team” during a cleanup operation in South Houston, where crews removed over a thousand old tires from an illegal dumpsite. The removal of such waste requires costly resources and manpower.
Eddie Dancy, leader of the HOT Team, expressed frustration over the persistence of illegal dumping within communities. The team works throughout South, Southeast, Southwest, and Northeast Houston, aiming to clear dumpsites before they grow.
Mayor Pro Tem and District K Councilmember Martha Castex-Tatum participated in the cleanup, emphasizing that addressing illegal dumping requires effort from residents.
“It’s going to take all of us working together to make sure that Houston is the type of city that we all can be proud of,” Castex-Tatum said. She noted the volume of trash generated and the city’s efforts to increase resources by acquiring more trucks and staff.
Castex-Tatum also said illegal dumping remains a priority for the city. “I tell people all the time, trash keeps me up at night,” she added.
Houston provides six neighborhood depository and recycling centers where residents can properly dispose of heavy trash and recyclables. Access requires photo identification and proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
The city maintains a scheduled heavy trash collection system, with tree waste collected every other month in January, March, May, July, September, and November. Junk waste collection occurs in the alternating months of February, April, June, August, October, and December.
City officials urge residents to follow collection schedules and disposal guidelines, warning that illegal dumping will not be tolerated. Detailed service schedules, neighborhood maps, and recycling information are available through the City of Houston Solid Waste Management.
