NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Houston 

Mark Wilfalk, Director
Solid Waste Management Dept.

John Whitmire, Mayor
City of Houston

Solid Waste Management Department
Announces Houston’s First-Pass Collection for Derecho Storm

HOUSTON – May 19, 2024: The City of Houston's Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) will initiate the first pass of storm debris collection for single-family homes and neighborhoods affected by the Derecho Storm on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Several city departments, within the city’s emergency management operations, have been conducting damage assessment procedures throughout the weekend and are now prepared to initiate debris removal operations on Monday, May 20. In order to safely expedite removal, all debris designated for collection should be placed at the curbside; at least five feet away from any obstructions and overhead obstacles.

Approximately 1 million cubic yards of residential storm debris is estimated to have been generated from this unprecedented storm. Debris removal efforts are expected to last for 2 – 3 months.

Residents are reminded to separate debris into the six distinct categories illustrated on the storm debris regulations document: Garbage, Vegetative, Construction and Demolition, Appliances, Electronics, and Household Hazardous Waste.

To aid in the coordination of collection efforts, residents of the impacted areas of the city are encouraged to report all debris removal needs to the 3-1-1 Call Center, visit our website at Houstonsolidwaste.org, and download the HTX Collects mobile application.

###

ABOUT HOUSTON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

The Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) provides the city with integrated municipal waste management services designed to support environmental health, sustainability, and economic development in all communities throughout Houston.

For more information about SWMD and our services, visit us at www.houstonsolidwaste.org, “LIKE” us on Facebook at @houstonsolidwaste, follow us on X @HoustonTrash. Download our app HTX Collects on Google Play or IOS Store to Never Miss an Update again! Call 3-1-1, the City of Houston’s Customer Service Helpline.