FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2023

Contact: Jessica Beemer (832) 393-3008
districte@houstontx.gov

Tornado Recovery and Cleanup
HOUSTON - Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin would like to make South Belt/Ellington area residents aware late Tuesday afternoon the South Belt/Ellington Area was hit by a F3 tornado and this afternoon the District E Office canvased the area for damage. The damage from this event is isolated to the 77034 zip code in District E, and 77089 zip code in District D.

Houston Public Work's Emergency Operations has worked with City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department to identify locations and scope of debris pickup needed. District E Staff has also surveyed the impacted area, for residential storm debris pick up.

Residential storm debris pick up can be reported to Houston 311 by calling (713) 837-0311. Please report the issue as "STORM DEBRIS". If there are trees blocking roadways or traffic lights not functioning, please call and report these to Houston 311 as well.

Residents in the affected areas reporting storm debris are asked to separate the debris into piles when being placed at the curb. Please avoid placing debris piles near light poles, fire hydrants, and mailboxes.

Once the storm debris has been reported to Houston 311, please email your service request number to districte@houstontx.gov subject line "Storm Debris". This will assist the District E office in keeping track of open storm debris cases to make sure they are handled expeditiously.

Please follow the link HTX Collects app for collection schedules, service alerts & updates from the Houston Solid Waste Management Department! Remember to enable notifications via the app HTX Collects on your mobile device.

Additional service information:


Should you have any questions please contact the District E office by emailing districte@houstontx.gov or call (832) 393-3008.
My home was damaged or received water during the recent flooding and storms. What steps should I take to handle the damages and the debris?
  • First, you should contact your insurance company to file a claim.
  • You should also document your property damage(s) by taking photographs.
  • You should contact the Houston 311 customer center to notify the city of your damage(s). This will help identify your address and area as needing debris collection service.

Is there a particular manner that my debris should be placed at the curb?
  • Yes, debris should be segregated as follows and placed away from any obstruction/impediments (mailboxes, fire hydrants, water meters, etc.):
  • Normal household trash goes in your black garbage container. It will be collected by the City on your normal garbage service day.
  • Vegetative Debris (Logs and Trees) should be place separately in a stacked pile. Limbs/trunks and branches should be cut to 36” lengths.
  • Construction & Demolition Material should be place in its own pile. This type of debris includes building materials, carpet/padding, furniture, treated lumber, mattresses, etc.
  • White Goods (Appliances) should be placed separately, and their doors secured with tape (to protect kids). White goods include refrigerators, freezers, stoves, washers, dryers and water heaters.
  • Electronics should be placed together. E-waste includes computers, stereos, televisions or other items with a cord.
  • Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) should be placed together. HHW includes batteries, oils, lawn chemicals, pesticides and cleaning supplies.
  • Further information and instruction for debris placement can be found at www.houstonsolidwaste.org, or the Solid Waste Management Department’s Facebook page.

Are Neighborhood Depositories sites available to me if I’d like to get rid of my own debris or uncollected recycling?
  • Yes. Any Houston resident can use a Neighborhood Depository & Recycling Center. Effective immediately, the depository sites will be open 7 days per week. A notice of the effective date of the extra days is posted at www.houstonsolidwaste.org.
  • Residents who use the depositories simply need to show an ID and utility bill for service.

Is there somewhere I can take my HHW if I don’t want to wait for City crews to come by for collection?
  • Yes. Any City of Houston resident can take HHW to the City’s Environmental Service Center at 11500 South Post Oak. HHW can be dropped off every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The center also receives HHW on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Should there be a need; the hours may be increased to accommodate the demand for service.

When will the City begin debris collection operations?
  • Collections will begin as soon as the City’s plans are accepted by the State Department of Emergency Management. Typically, debris operations begin after the receipt of a disaster declaration by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). A request for the disaster declaration has been made to FEMA by the Governor’s office.

My container floated away during the flood period. How do I get another one?
  • Please contact 311 to report your lost container. The department will deliver a replacement within 5 – 7 business days.

I live in an apartment complex and was flooded. What should I do with my debris?
  • As this is a commercial property, it is the responsibility of your owner/management company to make provisions for the collection and removal of debris.

My business flooded, what should I do?
  • You should contact your insurance agent and file a claim for remediation. A part of your claim would include any debris demolition and removal.