City of Houston to host 'dump day' April 29 for residents to drop off heavy trash for free

Houstonians looking to get rid of heavy trash will have the opportunity to do so free of charge April 29 at two city-run landfill sites.

One Clean Houston Dump Day will take place from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. April 29 at Houston's McCarty Road and Blue Ridge landfills. The McCarty Road landfill can be found at 5757 Oates Road, Houston, while the Blue Ridge landfill is located at 2200 FM 521, Fresno.

One Clear Houston is an $18 million effort announced by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner in March designed to combat illegal dumping in the city, which is the act of illegally disposing of trash, often in vacant lots or public rights of way along city streets.

"Illegal dumping is a serious problem that affects the health and safety of our residents and the environment," Turner said in an April 25 statement. "One Clean Houston Dump Day is an opportunity for all Houstonians to come together and take action in their community to keep our city clean and beautiful.”

In a video posted to the city's Solid Waste Management Facebook page, Mark Wilfalk, director of the solid waste department, said participants can bring waste to either landfill for free disposal.

Participants need to provide proof of residency, and each household is limited to one load of debris. Participants must also wear personal protective equipment when visiting either landfill. A list of items that are not accepted—including air conditioners, electronics and tires—can be found here.

In addition to the April 29 event, which Turner previously referred to as a pilot program, One Clean Houston also involves making investments into solid waste department fleets and holding illegal dumping violators accountable.

Learn more about Houston's junk waste policies, including when curbside pickup service is available, on the solid waste department website.