HOUSTON – Illegal dumping remains a persistent problem across Houston, with piles of debris showing up along roadways, near schools, and in neighborhoods citywide.
According to Houston’s 311 system, there have been 659 reports of illegal dumpsites in the last four weeks, and city leaders acknowledge the issue is far from isolated.
“Absolutely, illegal dumping is an issue in the city of Houston,” said Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, who represents District K. “We have lots of contractors and residents who feel they can just dump their debris throughout the city instead of taking it to the depository or, if they’re contractors, to the landfill.”
Many residents say landfill fees are a major reason dumping continues. Viewers repeatedly shared on social media that dumping trash on the side of the road is cheaper and easier than paying landfill costs.
During a recent city council public safety committee meeting, Castex-Tatum asked solid waste if they’ve considered partnering with area landfills.
“Contractor can bring that stuff to the landfill because I think that may be cheaper than picking up the illegal dumping across the city,” Castex-Tatum asked during council.
Larius Hassen, director of Houston Solid Waste Management, told KPRC 2 News the idea is being seriously considered.
“That’s something we’re definitely looking into,” Hassen said. “We want the trash to go where it’s supposed to go not on the side of the road.”
New on demand heavy trash pickup program
At the same time, the city is rolling out a new on-demand heavy trash pickup program, which leaders hope will reduce illegal dumping by giving residents a clearer, more reliable way to dispose of large items.
Under the new system:
- Residents can call 311 to submit a service request
- Requests are reviewed and scheduled
- Residents are notified of their pickup date
- Heavy trash is collected within five working days of the scheduled date
- Each address may request up to four collections per year
Hassen said the old system, where crews drove every street regardless of whether trash was set out, was unsustainable and led to delays and backlogs. The new model is designed to provide more predictability and accountability.
“So many residents asked for a system where they know when we’re coming,” Hassen said. “This helps us clean up the city and divert illegal dumping.”
The program is scheduled to launch in March.
Houston police and Solid Waste Management are also working together on enforcement. Hassen said the city is issuing warnings before citations, but prosecution can be difficult.
Castex-Tatum said cameras in her district have caught people dumping illegally, including contractors, but cases can take time to move through the legal system.
“That’s why we’re really trying to make it easier for people to dispose of debris properly,” she said.
City leaders say nothing is finalized yet when it comes to landfill partnerships, but conversations are ongoing.
For now, residents are encouraged to use one of the city’s six depository stations, schedule heavy trash pickup through 311, and report illegal dumping when they see it.