HOUSTON – After months of heavy trash piling up along curbs in southwest Houston, relief finally arrived on High Star Drive and for neighbors, it felt like Christmas came early.
Residents who have been staring at the same piles for nearly three months say Tuesday’s cleanup was long overdue.
“I cannot believe that they’re finally here. I called 311 this week to complain about it.”
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“When I came by and we saw it on the corner, I was like, oh, finally, thank gosh, they’re taking the trash.”
KPRC 2 was the first to report Mayor John Whitmire’s plan to partner with a private contractor, AshBritt, to help tackle Houston’s growing heavy-trash backlog.
On Tuesday, KPRC 2 News reporter Re’Chelle Turner followed those crews as they made their way down High Star Drive, where the impact was visibly clear.
“You can see dark imprints from where a trash pile sat for nearly 3 months. Besides this one brush pile, we saw crews clear this street out.”
As trucks beeped in reverse and massive claw cranes lifted debris, neighbors stepped outside to watch long-ignored piles finally disappear.
When heavy loads slammed into the truck, one resident summed up the neighborhood’s reaction:
“I’m glad they’re here.”
“When I came by and we saw it on the corner, I was like, oh, finally, thank gosh, they’re taking the trash.”
AshBritt, the private contractor hired by the city, spent the day clearing sofas, mattresses, brush, and other debris that had been sitting out for weeks.
“Oh my gosh, it’s been here for weeks and weeks. It’s like an eyesore, you know.”
For some residents, the prolonged delay led to more than frustration — they say the piles became a safety and flooding concern.
“I called 311 this week to complain about it because, again, it’s been sitting here for three months. And with the heavy rain in the beginning of the week, the rainwater couldn’t go down to the storm drain. So we’re having flooding in between all these piles of trash… I see a toilet right there. There’s chairs. It’s gross.”
This isn’t the first time the city has relied on AshBritt. The company hauled away more than 1 million cubic yards of debris after the Derecho, and another 1.2 million cubic yards during Hurricane Beryl.
Still, not everyone thinks Houston should have to depend on outside help.
“It shouldn’t be having to take care of another private contractor.”
But for many on High Star Drive, Tuesday’s cleanup felt like long-awaited progress.
“It is a big relief.”
Some piles remained along the curb Tuesday afternoon. Turner reports that the driver’s truck was full to the rim and had to unload before returning — if time allowed.
Crews will continue working across southwest Houston before moving north. KPRC 2 will monitor progress to ensure neighborhoods waiting months for pickup finally see relief.