As the clocks fall back, so do the hours of the City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department’s (SWMD) Neighborhood Depository & Recycling Centers. Starting on Sunday, November 3, 2024, SWMD’s six depositories will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, to align with the shorter daylight hours. Houstonians are encouraged to plan accordingly and arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to ensure ample time to unload their recyclables or junk waste.

This time change is more than just a logistical adjustment; it’s SWMD’s commitment to safety and convenience. With six strategically placed Neighborhood Depository & Recycling Centers, SWMD aims to help Houstonians manage their waste responsibly while supporting recycling initiatives that keep our city clean and green. Below are the locations ready to accept your contributions toward a more sustainable Houston:

Neighborhood Depository Locations

North – 9003 N Main, Houston, TX 77022

Northwest – 14400 Sommermeyer, Houston, TX 77041

Northeast – 5565 Kirkpatrick, Houston, TX 77028- South – 5100 Sunbeam, Houston, TX 77033

Southwest – 10785 SW Freeway, Houston, TX 77074

Southeast – 2240 Central Street, Houston, TX 77017

Each location offers free access to residents with proof of residency, such as a Texas Driver’s License, a valid Texas ID, or a current water or utility bill. And remember, the Depositories are closed on City-approved holidays, so plan those pre-holiday cleanups in advance.

What Can You Bring?

From old sofas to scrap metal, these depositories are designed to accommodate a wide range of items that no longer fit your needs:

Junk Waste: Old furniture, tree limbs, stoves, large appliances (refrigerant-free, with certification), and up to five automobile tires per month, per residential unit. 

Building Material: Residents can drop off up to four cubic yards of construction material (but leave out roofing shingles, bricks, and plaster).

Recyclables: The Depositories accept tree waste, concrete, mattresses, cans, all types of plastics, newspapers, magazines, cardboard, glass bottles, and even used motor oil.

Clothing and Shoes: Decluttering your closet? Clothing and shoes are accepted at the North and Southeast locations.

When visiting, make sure to separate your recyclables by material for a faster, more efficient drop-off experience. Just a heads up: trailers longer than 16 feet or taller than four feet are a no-go.

Why Use the Neighborhood Depositories?

The SWMD’s Neighborhood Depositories make it easy to manage junk and recyclables, reducing the need for landfills and promoting sustainability. Beyond the environmental impact, utilizing these facilities is also a practical way to keep Houston’s neighborhoods clean and clutter-free. Imagine fewer abandoned mattresses and old tires on the street corners – that's the vision SWMD is working toward.

As the season shifts, let’s keep our commitment to a cleaner city strong. A simple drop-off can make a significant difference in reducing landfill waste, recycling valuable materials, and keeping Houston’s neighborhoods pristine. So, set a reminder for the new hours, grab that pile of recyclables or old furniture, and join SWMD in supporting a greener, cleaner Houston.

For more details, visit the official [Houston Solid Waste Management Department https://houstonsolidwaste.org and remember, a cleaner city starts with each of us.