News Summary

Houston residents are facing citations for bulk trash accumulating on their curbs due to delayed collections over a month. Citations warn that removal is required within 48 hours to avoid fines between $50 and $2,000. The Houston Solid Waste Department acknowledges a two-week delay in service, prompting frustration among residents who have reported missed heavy trash pickups. Concerns about equitable service distribution in the city continue as residents await timely waste management amid increasing citations.

Houston Residents Face Citations for Bulk Trash Amid Ongoing Collection Delays

Houston residents are facing citations for bulk trash that has accumulated on their curbs, with claims that collections have been delayed for over a month. Citations are warning residents that they must remove the bulk trash within 48 hours or face fines that can range anywhere from $50 to $2,000.

The bulk trash collection service in Houston is scheduled for odd-numbered months, but many residents have reported significant delays. The Houston Solid Waste Department has confirmed that heavy waste collection services are currently running two weeks behind schedule. Last month alone, the city’s 311 service received nearly 1,500 service requests for missed heavy trash pickups, indicating a substantial backlog in waste management.

Residents on Burress St. and Highlawn St. have reported receiving green citations notifying them of ordinance violations that involve trash being placed outside before the scheduled collection time. One resident showcased a citation for two such violations, highlighting the frustration many residents feel regarding timely waste removal. Some individuals have resorted to hiring others for trash removal services to avoid hefty fines due to the prolonged collection delays.

Norma Benitez, a resident from the northside of Houston, expressed concern about the potential of receiving a citation herself, as she has not yet been cited but has witnessed accumulation of trash on her street. In the Shady Tidwell Timbers neighborhood, the situation appears more dire, with large piles of bulk waste, including items such as toilets, remaining uncollected for months. This has led to increased unease among residents, who feel the need for city intervention to manage waste efficiently.

Jimmy Rawls, serving as the president of the local civic club, has addressed his concerns regarding the necessity for timely bulk waste collection to city officials, as residents have expressed frustration over the perceived prioritization of service in more affluent neighborhoods compared to their community. Residents in Shady Tidwell Timbers have noted minimal service requests recorded and the ongoing collection delays that persist in their area.

In an attempt to catch up on the service schedules, the Solid Waste Department is asking residents to remain patient while they address the backlog. The city currently operates on separate schedules for tree waste and bulk waste collection, and residents are urged to familiarize themselves with these collection timeframes to avoid citations.

Background Context

Bulk trash collection in Houston is a highly scheduled service to manage residential waste, occurring every odd-numbered month. Over the past few months, however, many areas have reported significant delays, leading to frustration and discontent among residents. The Houston Solid Waste Department has provided information acknowledging the two-week delay in services, indicating their commitment to resolving the issue.

With the necessity for efficient waste management becoming increasingly pressing, residents are being reminded to remain informed about their waste schedules and collection services. The significant number of requests for missed heavy trash pickups—a reported 1,500 last month—shows the depth of the issue affecting Houston’s citizens.

As the situation develops, the city’s efforts to organize bulk waste collection while managing the influx of citations to residents remain critical in addressing the ongoing inconvenience experienced by many communities. The patience and understanding of the populace will be essential in navigating this challenging period of waste collection delays.

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Waste360: Houston Residents Cited for Bulk Trash Pile-Ups
• ABC13: Residents Claim Receive Citation for Bulk Trash
• Houston Chronicle: Houston Bulk Trash Collection Late
• Wikipedia: Waste Management
• Google Search: Houston bulk trash collection delays

Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER

HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.