Solid Waste Management Department

"Working to make Houston a Cleaner, Greener Place to Live"
The Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) provides solid waste services to the citizens of Houston through the collection, disposal and recycling of discarded material in a manner that is safe, efficient, environmentally sound and cost-effective.

MORE INFORMATION About the SWMD • Citizens with Disabilities • Community • Electronics Recycling • Employment SWMD Recycling Facilities Environmental Service Center • Neighborhood Depositories/Recycling Centers Westpark Consumer Recycling Center • Recycling Facilities Locations Map • Reuse Warehouse • Electronics Recycling
Ouick Links
Recycling Calendar Tree/Junk Waste Holiday Schedule Environmental Serv. Center News, Press and Media	Trash Facts Collection Schedules Recycling Services
Houston Holds FREE B.O.P.A. Collection Events The City of Houston holds a FREE Batteries, Oil, Paint (latex only) and Antifreeze (B.O.P.A.) mobile collections periodically. Many common household materials are considered hazardous and need special disposal. More.
Automated Curbside Recycling Program Expanded to 62,000 Homes Mayor Annise Parker and Harry J. Hayes, Director of the Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD), are pleased to announce the addition of 62,000 homes to the City’s popular automated curbside recycling program. . More.
Houston Business Recycling Program The City of Houston strives to save businesses money, protect the environment and keep Houston clean. In July 2011, the City of Houston's Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD), in partnership with the Montrose Management District, began a pilot program offering recycling services to small businesses in Montrose.More ...
Houston Carton Recycling Program Yes! Cartons are recyclable. The City of Houston accepts cartons for recycling. The last drop of milk, juice or soup does not mark the end of a carton's useful life. Cartons are easy to recycle and in high demand. More ...
Know Your Service Days Want to know when your SWMD service days are? Visit our online search tool, MYCITY and enter your Houston area address for information.
A Friendly Reminder When placing your carts at the curb, remember to leave 3 feet between each cart and other objects such as cars, trees, and mailboxes so the SWMD trucks can pick them up quickly and easily.
Our Community Partners
Go Green Communities The Houston Apartment Association (HAA) and the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) launched on November 15, 2011 the Go Green Community initiative to increase recycling in apartment communities. More ...

About the Director

Harry J. Hayes serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the City of Houston. He was appointed by Mayor Annise Parker on April 1, 2014. As COO, he is responsible for oversight of the Houston Police Department, Houston Fire Department, Public Works & Engineering Department, Fleet Management Department and the Municipal Courts Department.
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