HOUSTON – Illegal dumping is costing Houston taxpayers millions of dollars, and in some neighborhoods, the problem is only getting worse. Piles of trash and junk are more than just an eyesore — they’re expensive to remove and can create real health hazards.
KPRC 2’s Zach Lashway joined the city’s Heavy Trash “HOT Team” in South Houston as they tackled one of the latest dumpsites: more than a thousand old tires stacked high. Standing water inside the tires is a breeding ground for mosquitos and hauling them away isn’t cheap.
“It’s hard to understand it, like how could you do this in your community?” said Eddie Dancy, who supervises the HOT Team.
The crews cover South, Southeast, Southwest, and Northeast Houston, clearing out illegal dumpsites before they grow larger.
Mayor Pro Tem and District K Councilmember Martha Castex-Tatum also joined the clean-up. She says solving Houston’s illegal dumping problem will take teamwork from everyone.
“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. “There is such a large amount of trash being generated. We are working to buy more trucks and hire more people. As soon as new trucks arrive, they’re put online.”
Castex-Tatum says tackling illegal dumping remains a top priority: “I tell people all the time, trash keeps me up at night.”
What you need to know about heavy trash:
- Heavy trash piles cannot exceed 8 cubic yards (about the size of a minivan).
- Piles cannot block sidewalks, sit near mailboxes, cars, or under trees.
Where you can take heavy trash and recycling: Houston has six neighborhood depository and recycling centers. To drop off, you must show proof of residency with a photo ID and a utility bill or lease agreement.
- North: 9003 N Main, 77022
- Northwest: 14400 Sommermeyer, 77041
- Northeast: 5565 Kirkpatrick, 77028
- Southeast: 2240 Central Street, 77017
- South: 5100 Sunbeam, 77033
- Southwest: 10785 SW Freeway, 77074
Collection schedule:
- Tree waste months: January, March, May, July, September, November
- Junk waste months: February, April, June, August, October, December
City leaders say the bottom line is clear: illegal dumping won’t be ignored.
Visit City of Houston Solid Waste Management for service schedules, neighborhood service maps, recycling info and more.