Solid Waste
Solid Waste Generation
The Houston/Galveston region generates 4.5 million tons of solid waste each year. Approximately 58 percent comes from residen-tial collection; the rest is produced by multi-family housing, businesses, and other activities. Paper, cardboard, aluminum, and yard waste-- all recyclable materials--compose 60 percent of collected waste. The average person in the area produces 7.09 pounds of solid waste per day, adding up to 1.3 tons per year. The region's per capita solid waste production is on the rise, up 0.84 pounds per day since 1998. Although thisincrease can be partially attributed to more accurate reporting from landfills, increased consump-tion because of a strong economy and product packaging are also to blame. Declining prices for recyclable materials has lowered the incentive to recycle certain items as well.

Solid Waste Disposal
The Houston/Galveston area generally disposes of its waste within its own boundaries. In fact, slightly more waste enters the region for disposal than is sent to other places. Based on 2000 disposal rates, the region's 21 landfills will reach full capacity by 2013.

Inequity
Most of the landfills in Houston are located near communities that are primarily low-income with a high percentage of people of color. Another problem is a high number of landfills that are abandoned once operating permits expire. Of the 236 abandoned landfills in Harris County, nearly one sixth (36) are located in one African-American neighborhood in northwest Houston.

Future Plans
In 1989, the 71st Texas Legislature enacted a bill that required the state of Texas, regional agencies, and local government to develop solid waste plans. The Houston/Galveston regional plan calls for construction of several new landfills and expansion of existing facilities. However, its overall goal is to decrease per capita waste disposal in the region's landfills by 80 percent by 2012 through reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Recent Progress
Although per capita waste disposal recently increased, the region has begun to build the infrastructure needed to lower those figures. From 1993 to 1999, there was a 168 percent increase in recycling and source reduction programs. Still, extensive public education and significant economic incentives for corporate recycling will be needed to meet the ambitious goal.

What You Can Do
Reduce and reuse
Shop smart. Choose products that require less packaging. Buy bulk items whenever feasible. Bring your own canvas shopping bags to the grocery store and use a coffee mug instead of paper cups.

Recycle
Glass, metal, plastic, cardboard, paper, motor oil, batteries, and tires are all recyclable. To find the nearest recycling drop-off site, call the Recycling Hotline at (713) 837-9130. Many neighborhoods offer curbside pick-up of recyclable materials as well.

Start a recycling program in your neighborhood
For information on bringing curbside recycling to your neighborhood, call the Recycling Hotline at (713) 837-9130. The City of Houston provides this service free of charge; residents of other municipalities may have to pay a monthly fee. The Houston/Galveston area Council distributes grants to cities, school districts, and schools to set up recycling and composting programs. Call (713) 627-3200 for more information.

Buy recycled products
Look for products and packaging that incorporate recycled material. In order for recycling programs to work, there must be a market for recycled products.

Compost
Approximately 30 percent of the garbage generated in the region comprises food and yard waste. Composting can reduce waste significantly, and provide a valuable soil enhancer that improves soil structure, texture, aeration, and water retention. If you live in Houston and cannot compost at home, separate your yard waste and the city will recycle it. If you live outside Houston, call the Recycling Hotline at (713) 837-9130 to find out where to take your food and yard waste for composting.

Dispose of household hazardous wastes appropriately
Any product labeled danger, poison, warning, caution, flammable, combustible, or corrosive should be handled carefully. Paints, solvents, pesticides, herbicides, automotive products, and cleaning products are considered household haz-ardous waste and require special disposal. Inappropriate disposal can lead to air, water, and soil contamination, and can be dangerous to waste collectors and landfill workers. First, choose less toxic alternatives or buy only the quantity you need. To avoid disposing of hazardous products, use them completely or give them to someone who will. If you must throw away a potentially dangerous item, call Houston Household Hazardous Waste Information Line at (713) 247-8589 to find out whether it is considered hazardous and how to dispose of it.

Organize a neighborhood clean-up
Contact Keep Houston Beautiful at (713) 839-8855 for the information and tools needed to lead a neighborhood clean-up.

Report illegal dumping
Call the Rat-On-A-Rat Program at (713) 525-A-RAT to report illegal trash dumping.