HOUSTON – Houston’s trash problem is piling higher each day. Residents across the city continue reaching out to 2 Helps You, saying they aren’t getting their trash picked up and aren’t seeing relief. The City says it’s working on it.
In neighborhoods like Melrose Park, residents say heavy trash has been sitting curbside for months.
“It’s horrible looking,” one resident said.
“This has been the pits,” added another.
Neighbors told KPRC 2 their trash has been left out for nearly two to three months despite repeated calls to 311 and 411.
“All the trash piling up, and then we’re a flood district as well,” said Luci Ramos, a Melrose Park resident. “It just goes all over the street with just a little bit of rain.”
Ramos explained, “They’re putting us on the back burner, basically. They don’t have to live here, so it just feels like they don’t care.”
The new director of Houston’s Solid Waste Department declined our interview request, but the department responded to our questions in writing.
City officials admit the biggest challenge is the city’s aging fleet of garbage trucks. While nine trucks have been added recently, frequent breakdowns continue to slow service.
To fix the problem, 31 new trucks have been ordered. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in late October, with the full order expected online by early November.
On staffing, a recent job fair drew more than 70 applicants. Solid Waste says new drivers will be on the streets in the coming weeks.
The department also points to changes under new leadership, including a “Can Blitz Initiative” aimed at getting replacement containers to residents faster and reducing the backlog of heavy trash pickups.
Illegal dumping remains another challenge, diverting crews and equipment away from regular neighborhood collection.
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