Storm debris removal is underway in many Houston-area communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Many cities and counties have posted debris removal guidelines for residents as they recover from the storm.

What you need to know

Debris should be placed curbside without blocking the road or storm drains. Additionally, residents should avoid placing debris near or on structures such as trees, poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants and meters.

Guidelines from the Federal Emergency Management Agency require debris to be separated into six categories:
  • Electronics: televisions, computers, stereos, phones, DVD players and other devices with cords
  • Large appliances: refrigerators, washing machines and dryers, air conditioners, stoves, water heaters and dishwashers
  • Hazardous waste: oil, batteries, pesticides, paint, cleaning supplies and compressed gas
  • Vegetative debris: tree branches, leaves, logs and plants
  • Construction debris: building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture and plumbing
  • Household garbage: bagged garbage, discarded food, paper and packaging
The specifics

Local government entities may have varying requirements in their debris pickup procedures. Additional information is linked below.
  • Fort Bend County: The county will begin picking up storm debris the week of July 15 in the categories of construction and demolition materials, electronic waste, household hazardous waste, appliances, and vegetative materials. Normal household trash, recyclables and bagged debris will not be picked up with storm debris.
  • Harris County Precinct 3: Debris removal begins July 12 for electronics, large appliances, vegetative debris and construction debris. Normal household garbage will be picked up with the normal garbage removal schedule, and hazardous waste items will have separate collection dates. Information on seven debris drop-off sites is TBA.
  • Harris County Precinct 4: Free dumpsters are available for residents to drop off fence boards, tree branches and more from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 13900 Humble Road, Tomball; on Service Center Road in Tomball; and at 28511 Old Washington Road, Hockley.
  • Montgomery County: The county has a submission form for residents to request debris removal here.
  • City of Bellaire: The city will begin debris removal the week of July 15. Vegetation debris will be picked up in the first pass, and construction debris will be picked up in the second pass, which will be scheduled later. Residents should separate storm debris from other types of trash and recycling, and separate vegetation debris from construction debris.
  • City of Conroe: Crews will continue working their way through the city until all green debris is picked up. Residents should place branches, tree debris and leaves behind their curbs, off the streets and not in ditches.
  • City of Houston: Storm debris collections were already underway as part of efforts tied to the May 16 derecho storm and have continued through Hurricane Beryl. Heavy tree waste and storm debris operations will continue over the July 13-14 weekend.
  • City of Jersey Village: Trash services are running on the typical schedule, but recycling pickup is on hold as crews are expecting larger amounts of trash removal.
  • City of Katy: Debris removal will begin July 16 and should be separated by vegetive debris and fence debris. Bagged debris, appliances, construction or demolition waste, and hazardous waste will not be picked up.
  • City of League City: AmeriWaste will pick up bagged vegetative debris every Sunday beginning July 21. There is also an option for residents to drop off their bagged vegetative debris daily at Hometown Heroes Park starting July 13. Otherwise, residents should separate their debris and set it on the curb.
  • City of Montgomery: The public works department is picking up limbs and tree debris up to 10 feet in length daily Monday through Friday.
  • City of Pearland: The city's debris removal contract will be deployed the week of July 15. Debris should be separated into the following categories: normal household trash; vegetative; construction and demolition; appliances and white goods; electronics; and household hazardous waste.
  • City of Sugar Land: Fallen trees, branches and fence posts will be picked up from residential curbs starting July 12.
  • City of Tomball: A tree debris drop-off site is open at 1200 Rudolph Road, Tomball. Hours are Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • City of Magnolia: A debris drop-off site is open for storm debris and perishable food items at 19450 Unity Park Drive, Magnolia. The site is open July 12 from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and July 13 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • City of Missouri City: Storm debris will be picked up starting July 16. Residents should separate trash into two categories: vegetative items, and construction and demolition items.
  • City of West University Place: Storm debris collection will take the week of July 15. Residents should move storm-related debris to the curb and keep it separate from regular trash.