Debris recovery efforts are underway throughout Harris County to handle the various neighborhoods needing cleanup after the May 16 storm. Officials with the Harris County Emergency Management Department said debris pickup will be ongoing for the next few weeks.

What residents should know

The office of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo shared photos of the debris trucks that are going throughout the county on May 22. The office advised residents to place debris curbside without blocking the street or storm drains.

Debris trucks are stationed in Harris County for storm relief efforts. (Courtesy Office of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo)
Debris trucks are stationed in Harris County for storm relief efforts. (Courtesy Office of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo)

City of Houston residents are being advised to call 311 for debris removal, according to Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ website. Houston's Solid Waste Management Department initiated the first pass of storm debris collection May 20, as Community Impact previously reported.

The office of Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia advised Harris County residents to call 832-509-2977 for crisis cleanup assistance.

Officials with Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey’s office announced on social media residents can request storm debris removal by calling 713-274-3880, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

Precinct 3 crews began debris removal on May 20, according to the social media post.

In Harris County Precinct 4, officials with Commissioner Lesley Briones' office announced on social media that public dumpsters in Tomball and Hockley are open to accept tree debris from residential households. Residents can also call 832-927-4444 or email [email protected] to report damages and request debris pickup.

Also of note

When it comes to separating debris outside one's household, several tips are being shared by the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Residents are being advised to keep items unbagged since only loose debris will be collected and separate debris into these four categories:

  • Vegetative debris: leaves, logs, plants and tree branches
  • Construction and demolition debris: building materials, carpet, drywall, furniture, lumber, mattresses, plumbing
  • Appliances: air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, water heaters
  • Electronics: computers, radios, stereos, televisions and other devices with cords
Two categories do not fall into disaster debris pickup, according to the department, including:
  • Normal household trash: follow normal garbage removal schedule
  • Household hazardous waste: paint, batteries, automotive and lawn chemicals; a separate household hazardous waste collection site and drop-off date will be announced
In terms of where to place debris items, all debris must be placed at the edge of one's property. Any debris placed from the sidewalk toward one's property will not be picked up. For residents without a sidewalk, ditch or utility line, the emergency department suggested to place debris before the curb.

Other tips include not stacking or leaning debris near trees, poles or other structures that will make removal difficult, including fire hydrants and meters.

The following guideline was also shared by the department: If all debris is not picked up during the first pass, residents should continue to push remaining debris closer to the curb for collection on future passes.


Information on debris pickup tips in Spanish can be found here.