In a city where resilience is practically woven into its DNA, Houston has yet again proven that it can weather any storm—literally and figuratively. After the chaos left behind by Hurricane Beryl, the City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) is on the verge of completing its second round of storm debris collection this weekend. This marks a crucial step forward in Houston’s ongoing recovery, as the city moves from cleanup mode to full-on restoration.

Hurricane Beryl barreled through Houston on July 8, 2024, leaving a staggering 3 million cubic yards of debris in its wake. Think about that for a second: that’s enough debris to fill up more than 900 Olympic-sized swimming pools! Despite the daunting task, the SWMD and its army of contractors have been working tirelessly, and come Saturday, September 21, 2024, they’ll officially wrap up their second pass of storm debris collection. 

A Tale of Two Storms: Cleaning Up After Beryl and Derecho

As if one natural disaster wasn’t enough, Hurricane Beryl’s timing couldn’t have been worse. It struck just as Houston was recovering from the May 16 Derecho windstorm, which had already littered the city with damage. Picture this: one moment, you're dealing with debris from a windstorm, and before you can take a breather, a hurricane swoops in, doubling the mess. That’s the reality Houston faced this summer.

But in true H-Town fashion, the city didn't flinch. Over 1.7 million cubic yards of debris were removed in the initial phase of recovery. And now, after weeks of meticulous work, SWMD is finishing the second pass, ensuring that every last fallen tree limb and wind-blown trash heap is collected. According to Mark Wilfalk, Director of the Solid Waste Management Department, Houston's grit is unmatched: “Houston has faced many challenges in recent months, from the Kingwood flood to the Derecho windstorm and Hurricane Beryl. But time and again, our community has proven its resilience."

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Over 4.7 Million Cubic Yards of Debris Removed

When you combine the cleanup efforts of both the Derecho windstorm and Hurricane Beryl, the numbers are mind-boggling. SWMD crews and contractors have hauled off over 4.7 million cubic yards of debris in total—just imagine an endless parade of garbage trucks filled to the brim. It’s a monumental effort, and one that wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the teams working round the clock to bring Houston back to its pristine best.

“Our teams have worked efficiently and safely to ensure every affected neighborhood received adequate debris removal services," Wilfalk said. "We are proud of the progress we’ve made, and we deeply appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we bring this process to a close.”

What’s Next? Back to Business As Usual

With storm debris collection nearing completion, SWMD will soon return to its regular heavy trash collection schedule. It’s a return to normalcy that many in the city are no doubt looking forward to. However, for residents who might still be sitting on some lingering debris, Houston’s neighborhood drop-off centers are ready to help. These drop-off centers, which will return to their regular hours (Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), are open for anyone looking to dispose of debris quickly and efficiently.

To make life even easier, SWMD encourages all residents to download the **HTX Collects** mobile app. The app provides timely updates, reminders, and a list of drop-off locations, so you’re never left in the dark about your neighborhood’s waste management schedule.

Houston’s Heart Remains Unbreakable

From the Kingwood floods to the Derecho windstorm and Hurricane Beryl, Houston has been through the wringer this year. But if there’s one thing these challenges have shown, it’s that nothing can break the spirit of this city. As the final remnants of storm debris are cleared, and the dust settles (literally), Houston stands as a shining example of resilience, strength, and unwavering community support.

Sure, nature may have thrown everything it could at Houston, but in the end, we’re still standing—stronger, cleaner, and more prepared for whatever comes next.

Key Takeaways:

- The City of Houston’s SWMD is completing its second pass of storm debris collection after Hurricane Beryl.

- Over 4.7 million cubic yards of debris have been collected from both Hurricane Beryl and the earlier Derecho windstorm.

- SWMD will return to its regular heavy trash collection schedule, and neighborhood drop-off centers will resume their normal hours.

- Download the HTX Collects app for real-time updates on waste management services.

Houston may face its share of storms, but no storm stands a chance against the determination and resilience of its people.

For more info, visit houstontx.gov