Houston's heavy-trash program has a twist that catches nearly everyone once: the city alternates what it collects each month, and furniture only rides in even-numbered months. Set a couch out in March and it's not early — it's illegal dumping, because March is a Tree Waste month and the trucks that come aren't allowed to take it.
The Odd/Even System, Exactly
- Junk Waste months — February, April, June, August, October, December: furniture, appliances, and bulky household items are collected curbside on your neighborhood's scheduled heavy-trash day.
- Tree Waste months — January, March, May, July, September, November: clean wood waste only (limbs, branches, stumps). Furniture is explicitly not accepted; the separation is what lets the city mulch the tree waste.
- Set-out rules: at the curb after 6 PM the evening before your scheduled day, capped at eight cubic yards (roughly two pickup-truck loads) — oversized piles get skipped entirely.
- Find your neighborhood's heavy-trash day through the Solid Waste Department's schedule tools or the HTX Collects app; off-schedule set-outs are citable.
The practical catch: a couch that misses April's pickup waits until June. That's the longest potential gap of any major-city program in this series, and it's why Houston garages collect furniture.
The Year-Round Alternative: Neighborhood Depositories
Houston runs six Neighborhood Depository & Recycling Centers that accept furniture any month — up to four visits per month per household, with a limit of two large items like couches per visit, proof of Houston residency required (utility bill or lease), vehicles two tons or under. If you have a truck and a free hour, this beats waiting for an even month.
When neither fits — odd month, no truck, or the couch is upstairs: couch removal in Houston starts at $90 any month of the year, carry-out included, same-day in most ZIPs before 2PM EST. And a couch in good shape should skip the landfill math entirely — donation pickup routes it to charity partners if it passes condition standards. Pricing by item is in the cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What months does Houston pick up furniture?
Even-numbered months only — February, April, June, August, October, and December — on your neighborhood's scheduled Junk Waste day. Odd months are Tree Waste only, and furniture set out then is a violation, not an early start.
How much junk waste can I set out in Houston?
Up to eight cubic yards per collection — about two pickup-truck beds. Piles over the cap don't get a partial pickup; they get left.
Can I take a couch to a Houston dump myself?
Yes — the six Neighborhood Depositories accept furniture year-round from Houston residents: up to four visits a month, two large items like couches per visit, residency proof required.
What if I can't wait for a Junk Waste month?
Booked removal runs every month: same-day across most of Houston before the 2PM EST cutoff, with the carry from inside your home included — no odd/even calendar involved.