Houston neighborhoods face 3-month delay in trash pickup. Here’s how KPRC 2 is helping get answers

HOUSTON – When our viewers reach out to us regarding issues they are facing in their neighborhoods, we try our best to get answers.

Have you ever had problems with your trash pickup? I’m sure if you’ve lived in Houston or the surrounding area, you’ve experienced a delay in trash pick-up services once or twice. If not, consider yourself lucky.

A KPRC 2 viewer reached out to us saying the Brentwood and Pamela Heights neighborhoods have not received trash pickup since May, before the deadly derecho storm. The Hiram Clark Civic Club member then contacted District D councilwoman Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who told her that Solid Waste is currently experiencing delays.

Here are the steps KPRC 2 Reporter Rilwan Balogun took to help the residents of Brentwood and Pamela Heights get back on schedule with their trash pick-up:

Monday, July 1

5:25 pm – Rilwan then received a call from the Solid Waste director who said they plan to be in the Brentwood neighborhood by Friday and at the latest Monday, “Hopefully, we can deliver sooner than that.”

4:11 pm – Houston’s Solid Waste spokesperson sent Rilwan a statement:

• “Bulk waste was last collected in the neighborhood April 29-30, 2024 for Bulk Waste Month.

• The Kingwood flooding occurred around May 1.

• The Derecho struck on May 16.

• Tree waste was collected in the neighborhood from May 27 to 29 for Green Month.

• The neighborhood’s regular bulk waste service day would have been June 24 through the 26.

The service center that services the neighborhood in question, is running behind due to multiple factors. Barring any further delays, your viewer can expect to see the bulk trucks back in their neighborhood next week for their Bulk Waste Month pickup.

We sincerely thank Houstonians for their continued patience as we work to catch up from and complete the citywide storm debris cleanup. We would appreciate KPRC’s help in providing your viewers with accurate information.”

2:39 pm – Rilwan got a call from Houston’s Solid Waste spokesperson sharing that they are working on a statement after reviewing the incident.

11:10 am – We connected with Marilyn, a resident of the Brentwood neighborhood, who said she put out her debris in May, after the storm, and has called repeatedly for someone to pick up the debris. She said she understands there’s a delay, but wonders if Solid Waste will ever make it to her neighborhood.

11:00 am – We were driving around southwest Houston in the Brentwood neighborhood looking for piles of trash before we spotted some.

10:32 am – Solid Waste Management responds to Rilwan’s email seeking more details.

9:30 am – Rilwan shared the concerns during KPRC 2’s morning editorial meeting. When given the green light to pursue the story, Rilwan emailed Solid Waste Management and Council District D, Carol Evans Shabazz.

8:30 am – Rilwan called the viewer, Patsy Taylor, and spoke with her about the situation. During the call, she shared she and her neighbors have gone months without trash pickup.