Solid Waste Management

Weekend roll‑off containers for neighborhood cleanups
The City of Houston provides bulk (roll‑off) containers to support non‑profit and civic organizations holding weekend neighborhood cleanup campaigns. Containers are delivered on Friday and collected on Monday, issued first‑come, first‑served as equipment is available. Requests must be submitted in writing at least 21 days (three weeks) in advance and must include the exact placement location, the organization name, and a designated on‑site monitor, with a rain date. There is no charge for eligible organizations. Completed request forms must be emailed to swmdoutreach@houstontx.gov.

Eligibility

• Eligible sponsors: Only non‑profit and civic organizations may request Clean Communities Program service.
• Container limit & size: Eligible organizations may request up to two (2) 40‑cubic‑yard roll‑off containers per cleanup weekend, subject to equipment availability.
• Schedule: Friday delivery / Monday pickup; service is first‑come, first‑served subject to equipment availability.
• Lead time: Submit the written request at least 21 days before your cleanup and include a rain date.
• Location: Containers are provided for use by residents of the City of Houston at City‑approved sites.

General Guidelines

• How to request: Use the City’s Clean Communities Program Request Form and include the site diagram, exact address, organization name, monitor’s name/signature, and a rain date. Submit at least 21 days before the event. Email the completed form to swmdoutreach@houstontx.gov.
• Placement surface & site access: Containers must be placed on paved (cement/asphalt) surfaces at the specific site shown on your diagram; they are not placed on high‑traffic streets or private property. Choose a location that is safe, accessible for drop‑off and retrieval, and free of obstructions.
• On‑site monitor: The sponsoring organization must monitor the container throughout the event and ensure only acceptable materials are placed inside.
• Source of debris: Do not collect debris from private property, including abandoned or vacant lots, and do not place such material in the container. This program supports cleanup of public areas and the public right‑of‑way
• After the event: To report any overflow or bagged litter remaining near the container and to provide the location of stacked tires (tires should be kept separate from the dumpster), call 3‑1‑1 or email SWMD Community Outreach at swmdoutreach@houstontx.gov.
• Usage limit: Each eligible organization or cleanup area may use the Clean Communities Program service up to eight (8) times per calendar year.
• Mixed materials: If unauthorized items are mixed with authorized materials, the entire load may be refused under City rules.

Approval Process

• Plan your cleanup. Confirm eligibility (non‑profit/civic), select a paved, accessible location, and designate your on‑site monitor.
• Submit the City form. Complete the Clean Communities Program Request Form with the site diagram and all required details, and submit it at least 21 days before your event. Completed forms should be emailed to swmdoutreach@houstontx.gov.
• City review & confirmation. Solid Waste reviews availability (first‑come, first‑served) and confirms the request.
• Delivery. Containers are delivered on Friday to the approved location. Delivery date and time may are subject to change.
• Event monitoring. Your designated monitor oversees proper use and keeps prohibited items out.
• Post‑event reporting. Report overflow/bagged litter and stacked tire locations (separate from the dumpster) via 3‑1‑1 or swmdoutreach@houstontx.gov.
• Pickup. Containers are collected on Monday or following the event.

Request a Container

• Submit the City’s Clean Communities Program Request Form (PDF).
• For general questions, call 3‑1‑1 or email swmdoutreach@houstontx.gov.

Waste Management Department Clean Communities Program
Phone: 832-394-1453
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.