Houston Hires Contractor for Heavy Trash Pickup Using Disaster Funds

Citywide Heavy Trash Pickup Initiative

• 🎯 Houston Mayor John Whitmire has prioritized addressing the backlog of heavy trash across the city, deeming the delays "unacceptable."
• 🗓️ Piles of brush, broken limbs, and bulky debris have been accumulating on curbs since early October, with city leaders admitting they fell behind.

Use of Disaster Recovery Funds

• 💰 A $1.2 million proposal was approved to use leftover funds from cleanup efforts related to Dreto and Hurricane Barril.
• 🤝 This funding allows the city to bring back AshBritt, the same contractor that managed storm debris during previous disasters.

Scope of Pickup Services

• ⚠️ Residents are reminded that not all items will be picked up; the service is not intended for disposing of entire households of belongings or furniture.
• 🧱 Items classified as construction or commercial waste, such as fencing, lumber, and drywall, will not be collected by the city.
• 🌳 Tree limbs and storm debris are acceptable for pickup.

Ongoing Cleanup Efforts

• ⏳ Crews are expected to continue working through the backlog over the next several weeks.
• 🔍 Residents are urged to cooperate and understand the limitations of the heavy trash pickup service.