Environmental & Neighborhood Services Solid Waste

We need your help controlling our green waste volumes 

Spring is upon us and that means an uptick in our City’s green waste volumes. Sugar Land’s beautiful scenery includes lots of trees and greenery, but this year’s volumes have far exceeded last year’s volumes – and its only March. These high volumes create complications and delays for the City and Republic Services as Sugar Land enters “heavy green waste season.” 

As a reminder, green waste service is provided once a week and is recycled into mulch. 

Green waste includes: 

  • Grass clippings 
  • Leaves 
  • Brush 
  • Tree limbs 
  • Christmas trees (ornaments and lights removed) 
  • Organic material produced in your yard or garden 

Green waste does not include food waste or treated wood. It’s important for residents to understand the distinctions between different types of solid waste service, as it can help in navigating the different sets of rules associated with each one. It’s up to residents to ensure they are following all the guidelines set out by the City and Republic Services. 

Residents are only allowed to put out 10 cubic yards of green waste on their curb each week. Loose materials such as grass clippings and leaves should be placed in a reusable container or in bags and tied. Clear or translucent bags are required.  Items placed in bags that aren’t clear or translucent will not be picked up. 

(FYI: The Clear Bag mandate was not a Republic Services decision. The City made the decision to move to clear or translucent bags to increase process efficiency and to ensure that we are eligible for federal reimbursement after declared disasters.) 

When residents put out green waste that exceeds the amount allowed per household or isn’t in a compliant bag or container, it delays service to the rest of the city. It is vital for residents to make note of these requirements and make sure they maintain regular compliance. The City and Republic Services are diligently working to keep up with the increase in volume, but compliance violations can further delay service – so help us, help you, Sugar Land!  

Here are three things you can do to help your community during green waste season: 

  1. Reach out to your landscapers and request they haul off large materials like limbs and branches they cut while servicing.  
  1. Use clear bags only.  
  1. Help spread the word about clear bags to your friends and neighbors.  

For more information on green waste, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/solidwaste.  

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