Houston Bulk Trash Pickup (Heavy Trash Collection)

Last checked: Oct 23, 2026 · Source: City of Houston SWMD — Heavy Trash Collection (Bulk & Tree Waste)

Houston collects heavy trash (bulky junk and tree waste) at the curb every other month for eligible City-serviced homes, up to 8 cubic yards per set-out. Between collection months, you can use one of six Residential Drop-Off Centers.

Quick answer

Collected every other month: up to six curbside heavy trash collections per calendar year for eligible addresses.
Set-out window: between 6:00 p.m. the Friday before and 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.
Volume limit: maximum 8 cubic yards per set-out (about the size of a minivan).
Eligibility: occupied residential units receiving City of Houston services; not available to multi-residential structures with more than 8 units.
Find your day with the City's service lookup tool or the HTX Collects app.

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How to set out heavy trash

Place items just behind the curb line in front of your home. Do not place items in the street or on sidewalks.
Do not stack items under wires, signs, or mailboxes; do not place them on top of meters, hydrants, or other utilities; do not block pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
Do not mix in unaccepted items: if authorized and unauthorized items are mixed, the entire pile may be refused.

Junk waste accepted

Household furniture (couches, tables, dressers)
Carpet (secured/bundled)
Mattresses and box springs
Toilets
Bicycles and toys
Appliances: stoves, washers, dryers, water heaters
Refrigerators and freezers only with a certified technician's tag showing the refrigerant has been removed

Tree waste accepted

Clean wood materials such as tree limbs, branches, and stumps
Tree limbs and shrubbery: individual pieces no more than 8 inches in diameter or 10 feet long
Bagged grass clippings and leaves go in the yard waste program, not heavy trash

Limits and special rules

Resident-generated building material: up to 4 cubic yards (excludes shingles, brick, plaster, and concrete).
Contractor debris (tree removal, construction, roofing, remodeling, etc.) is not collected; the contractor must remove it.
Tires: up to four passenger tires may be placed at the curb. Crews separate them from the pile, and pickup may take up to one week after the main collection.

Not accepted

Household garbage (bagged everyday trash; use weekly garbage service)
Electronics
Paint, chemicals, and other household hazardous waste (take these to an Environmental Service Center)
Dirt, sod, and soil
Roofing materials or shingles
Appliances containing gas, chemicals, or coolant (unless the refrigerant is removed and tagged by a certified technician)
Contractor-generated construction or demolition debris

Between collection months: Residential Drop-Off Centers

If you need to get rid of items between heavy trash months or over the curbside limit, the City points residents to its Residential Drop-Off Centers. They are open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Monday and Sunday), and residents may use them up to four times per month (once per week). Bring a current Texas-issued ID and a current City of Houston utility bill or lease agreement with a matching address. Furniture is limited to two large items, such as couches.

North — 9003 N Main 77022
Northwest — 14400 Sommermeyer 77041
Northeast — 5565 Kirkpatrick 77028
Southeast — 2240 Central Street 77017
South — 5100 Sunbeam 77033
Southwest — 10785 SW Freeway 77074

FAQ

How often is heavy trash picked up in Houston?

Every other month for eligible addresses that receive City curbside service, which allows up to six heavy trash collections per calendar year.

When can I put heavy trash out in Houston?

Between 6:00 p.m. the Friday before and 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Look up your day with the City's service lookup tool or the HTX Collects app.

How much heavy trash can I put out?

Up to 8 cubic yards per set-out (about the size of a minivan), including up to 4 cubic yards of resident-generated building material.

Does Houston heavy trash take electronics or paint?

No. Electronics and household hazardous waste such as paint, chemicals, and fuels are not collected. The City directs these to an Environmental Service Center.

What if I miss my heavy trash month?

Use a City of Houston Residential Drop-Off Center (Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) with a Texas ID and a matching City of Houston utility bill or lease.

Official sources

Last checked: Oct 23, 2026. Rules change — confirm with the official source before you set anything out.