Houston, December 4, 2025
Mayor John Whitmire of Houston has initiated a cleanup operation to address the heavy trash backlog in southwest Houston, responding to residents’ complaints over uncollected waste. Partnering with private contractor AshBritt, the city plans to allocate $2 million to enhance debris removal efforts. Residents are encouraged to report uncollected trash through the city’s 3-1-1 service as the city works to expedite removal and improve waste management services in the area.
Houston, Texas – Mayor John Whitmire has launched a cleanup operation to tackle the heavy trash backlog in southwest Houston, responding to months of complaints from residents about uncollected waste. This initiative includes a partnership with private contractor AshBritt, set to begin in southwest Houston and progress northward to address the accumulating debris.
Residents have expressed frustration over significant delays in trash collection, with reports of piles of waste, including mattresses and broken appliances, left uncollected for weeks. The city has recognized these concerns and aims to mitigate the situation with this new cleanup operation.
In addition to forming the partnership with AshBritt, the city is allocating approximately $2 million to enhance the contractor’s existing services. This financial boost seeks to expedite the removal of debris and supplement the city’s current 27 heavy-trash crews to reduce pending requests from residents.
Mayor Whitmire has stated that the current state of garbage collection is unacceptable and emphasized the city’s commitment to resolving the issue quickly. Additionally, residents are encouraged to utilize the city’s 3-1-1 service to submit new debris removal requests or to check on the status of their existing requests.
Background
The rise in heavy trash accumulation in southwest Houston has emerged as a pressing issue over the months. In response, the city has previously implemented initiatives aimed at enhancing waste management services, including the introduction of new recycling trucks and the “Can Blitz” program to streamline trash can replacements.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cleanup Operation | Partnership with AshBritt to clear heavy trash backlog, starting in southwest Houston and moving northward. |
| Additional Funding | City adding approximately $2 million to existing contract with AshBritt to expedite debris removal. |
| Resident Action | Residents encouraged to contact 3-1-1 service for new debris removal requests or to check existing ones. |
| Background | Previous initiatives include new recycling trucks and “Can Blitz” program for faster trash can replacements. |
FAQ
What is the current status of the heavy trash cleanup in southwest Houston?
The city has partnered with private contractor AshBritt to address the backlog, starting in southwest Houston and moving northward. This initiative aims to expedite the removal of debris and supplement the city’s existing heavy-trash crews. Residents are encouraged to contact the city’s 3-1-1 service to submit new debris removal requests or check the status of existing ones.
How can residents report uncollected heavy trash?
Residents can report uncollected heavy trash by contacting the city’s 3-1-1 service. This service allows residents to submit new debris removal requests or check the status of existing ones, ensuring timely collection and addressing any ongoing issues.
What steps has the city taken to improve waste management services?
The city has introduced several initiatives to enhance waste management services, including the deployment of new recycling trucks and the “Can Blitz” program, which allows residents to pick up new or replacement trash cans at designated locations. These efforts aim to improve service reliability and address the challenges faced by residents in obtaining new containers.
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