Match Your Load to the Right Houston Recycling Center
Houston does not use one recycling center for every material. Westpark, Clear Lake/Ellington and Kingwood serve residential recycling, six Neighborhood Depositories handle bulk and tree waste plus recyclables, and Environmental Service Centers handle household hazardous waste and residential electronics.
Start with your material
Fast answer for Houston residents
For ordinary recyclables, choose Westpark, Clear Lake/Ellington or Kingwood based on location and operating day. Clear Lake/Ellington and Kingwood are the City’s clearest Sunday recycling options.
For furniture, mattresses, appliances, tree waste and similar residential bulk material, use a Neighborhood Depository. For chemicals and household hazardous waste, use an Environmental Service Center. Electronics can go to Westpark or the City’s Environmental Service Centers.
On this page
- Houston recycling system
- Sunday recycling
- Center addresses and hours
- Neighborhood Depositories
- Which facility to use
- Accepted recyclables
- Westpark special items
- Items to keep out
- Electronics
- Environmental Service Centers
- Residency and ID rules
- Curbside recycling
- Before-you-go checklist
- Map and directions
- FAQs
- Official sources
Houston Has Several Different Recycling and Drop-Off Systems
A search for a “Houston recycling center” can lead to several different City services. The correct destination depends more on what is in your vehicle than on which site is closest.
Residential Recycling Centers
Westpark, Clear Lake/Ellington and Kingwood are the main City-listed recycling-center locations for recyclable material.
Residential Drop-Off Centers
Houston’s six Neighborhood Depositories accept recyclables as well as eligible bulk items, mattresses, appliances and tree waste.
Environmental Service Centers
ESC North and ESC South handle household hazardous waste, residential electronics and other materials that should not go in normal trash or curbside recycling.
Do not choose only by the nearest address
A TV, couch, gallon of oil-based paint, box of cardboard and tree limb can all require different Houston routes. Check both the facility type and the accepted-material list before driving.
Houston Recycling Centers Open on Sunday
If Sunday is your only available day, the official City recycling-center page gives two practical recycling options: Clear Lake/Ellington Airport and Kingwood.
| Facility | Sunday Status | Regular Hours | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake / Ellington Airport 246 Loop Rd. |
Open Sunday | Daily · 8 AM–8 PM | General residential recycling. |
| Kingwood 3210 W. Lake Houston Pkwy. |
Open Sunday | Sat–Sun · 8 AM–6 PM | Weekend recycling in north/northeast Houston. |
| Westpark 5900 Westpark |
Closed | Tue–Sat · 8 AM–5 PM | Recycling plus several special residential items. |
| Neighborhood Depositories | Closed | Tue–Sat · 9 AM–6 PM | Bulk, tree waste and recyclables. |
2026 Sunday change to remember
Effective January 4, 2026, Houston’s six Neighborhood Depositories operate Tuesday through Saturday and are closed Sunday and Monday. Older pages or saved directions may show a different schedule.
Houston Recycling Center Addresses and Regular Hours
The City currently lists three main residential recycling centers. The Reuse Warehouse also appears on the recycling-center page, but its purpose is reusable building materials rather than ordinary household recycling.
| Location | Address | Hours | Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westpark Center | 5900 Westpark Houston, TX 77057 |
Tue–Sat 8 AM–5 PM |
Useful for normal recyclables, e-waste and certain B.O.P.A. materials. |
| Clear Lake / Ellington Airport | 246 Loop Rd. Houston, TX 77034 |
7 days 8 AM–8 PM |
Best official daily-hours option. |
| Kingwood | 3210 W. Lake Houston Pkwy. Houston, TX 77339 |
Sat–Sun 8 AM–6 PM |
Weekend-only recycling option. |
| Reuse Warehouse | 9003 N. Main Houston, TX 77022 |
Tue–Sat 8 AM–5 PM |
For reusable building materials rather than household trash. |
Check the City of Houston’s current recycling-center list before traveling.
Houston Neighborhood Depositories / Residential Drop-Off Centers
Houston’s six Residential Drop-Off Centers are intended for City residents who need to dispose of eligible bulk items, tree waste and recyclables beyond ordinary curbside service.
Current 2026 hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The facilities are closed Sunday and Monday. Residents may use the depositories up to four times per month, and the City recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before closing so there is enough time to unload.
| Area | Address | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| North | 9003 N. Main, Houston, TX 77022 | Recyclables, bulk items and tree/yard waste. |
| Northwest | 14400 Sommermeyer, Houston, TX 77041 | Recyclables, bulk items and tree/yard waste. |
| Northeast | 5565 Kirkpatrick, Houston, TX 77028 | Recyclables, bulk items and tree/yard waste. |
| Southeast | 2240 Central Street, Houston, TX 77017 | Recyclables, bulk items and tree/yard waste. |
| South | 5100 Sunbeam, Houston, TX 77033 | Recyclables, bulk items and tree/yard waste. |
| Southwest | 10785 SW Freeway, Houston, TX 77074 | Recyclables, bulk items and tree/yard waste. |
Bulk and special items listed by the City
- Mattresses
- Tree and yard waste
- Furniture, with a limit of two large furniture items such as couches
- Household appliances such as stoves, washers and dryers
- Refrigerators with a tag showing Freon has been removed
- Concrete
- Aerosol cans
- Up to five passenger tires per visit, with a maximum of ten per month
- Used motor oil, up to five quarts
Which Houston Facility Should You Use?
| Your Material or Task | Best Starting Route | Important Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Paper, cardboard, cans, bottles and normal containers | Residential Recycling Center or curbside | Keep recyclables clean and loose rather than mixed with garbage. |
| Sunday recycling | Clear Lake/Ellington or Kingwood | Westpark and Neighborhood Depositories are not Sunday options. |
| Furniture or mattress | Residential Drop-Off Center | Residency documentation rules apply. |
| Tree or yard waste | Residential Drop-Off Center | Leaves must follow the City’s compostable-bag requirement. |
| TV, computer or household electronics | Westpark or Environmental Service Center | Do not put electronics out with garbage or heavy trash. |
| Latex paint, used oil, batteries or antifreeze | Westpark may accept these B.O.P.A. materials | Oil-based paint and broader HHW should use ESC guidance. |
| Pesticides, solvents, chemicals or hazardous household products | Environmental Service Center | ESC quantity and material limits apply. |
Accepted Recycling Items in Houston
Houston’s City recycling programs accept the core recyclable categories most households generate. Preparation still matters because food, liquid, plastic bags and other contamination can make otherwise recyclable material unsuitable.
Paper & Cardboard
- Newspapers
- Magazines and catalogs
- Junk mail and office paper
- Flattened cardboard
- Paperboard
- Eligible cartons
Containers
- Aluminum cans
- Steel and tin cans
- Glass bottles and jars
- Plastic containers #1–5 and #7
- Gable-top cartons
- Shelf-stable cartons
Preparation
- Empty containers
- Rinse and drain when practical
- Flatten cardboard
- Keep paper dry
- Do not mix recyclables with garbage
- Check facility-specific special items separately
For large cardboard loads, see the cardboard box recycling guide.
Westpark Recycling Center Special Items
Westpark is more than a basic paper-and-bottle drop-off. The City’s current recycling-center information lists several special residential materials there, including electronics, scrap metal, tires and B.O.P.A. items.
Westpark special categories
- Residential electronics
- Computers and TVs
- Household electronics
- Scrap metal
- Up to five tires without rims
- Batteries
- Used oil
- Latex paint
- Antifreeze
Do not confuse B.O.P.A. with all HHW
Westpark’s batteries, oil, latex paint and antifreeze program does not mean every chemical or hazardous product belongs there. Oil-based paint, fuels, broader household chemicals and other hazardous materials should be checked against the Environmental Service Center rules.
Why the distinction matters
An older or overly simple Houston guide may tell residents to take every battery, TV or paint product to an ESC. Current City information also lists Westpark for residential electronics and selected B.O.P.A. materials, so match the exact item instead.
Items That Do Not Belong in Normal Houston Recycling
Do not assume that an item is recyclable just because it is plastic, metal or difficult to throw away. Houston publishes separate exclusions for curbside carts, recycling centers and Residential Drop-Off Centers.
| Material | Why It Needs Another Route |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags and flexible plastic film | Not accepted in normal curbside recycling. |
| Greasy or food-soiled paper | Food contamination makes it unsuitable for normal curbside recycling. |
| Yard waste | Use yard/tree-waste collection or a Residential Drop-Off Center rather than a recycling cart. |
| Clothing and textiles | Not accepted in the green curbside recycling cart. |
| Large plastic toys or furniture | Large plastic household goods are not normal container recycling. |
| Household hazardous chemicals | Use an Environmental Service Center. |
| Commercial or contractor waste | City residential drop-off services have residential-use restrictions. |
Electronics and TV Recycling in Houston
The City states that electronics should not be placed at the curb with garbage or heavy trash. Residential electronics can be taken to Westpark, and both Environmental Service Centers also accept residential electronic waste.
Useful electronics routes
Westpark accepts residential electronics at no additional charge. ESC North and ESC South provide another City route for household electronics alongside their hazardous-waste programs.
Texas also requires manufacturers to provide recycling programs for computers and televisions, so manufacturer take-back can be useful when a City facility is inconvenient.
Before recycling a computer, phone, tablet or storage device, back up important files and remove personal information where practical.
For television preparation questions, see the TV recycling guide.
Houston Environmental Service Centers for Household Hazardous Waste
Houston operates two Environmental Service Centers for household hazardous waste and selected recyclable materials that should not go in regular trash or curbside recycling.
| Facility | Address | Current Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ESC South | 11500 S. Post Oak Rd. Houston, TX 77035 |
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 8 AM–5 PM |
| ESC North | 5614 Neches St. Houston, TX 77026 |
Second Thursday of each month 9 AM–3 PM |
Examples handled by the ESC program
- Acids and household chemicals
- Degreasers
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Antifreeze and automotive fluids
- Cooking oil
- Drain cleaners
- Kerosene and solvents
- Oil-based and latex paints
- Paint stains and thinners
- Residential electronics
Important quantity limits
The current ESC page lists limits including 100 pounds combined chemical waste per visit, 25 quarts for specified automotive fluids, 25 gallons of paint, 25 gallons of paint stains/thinners and 15 gallons of fuel.
Fuel containers need special planning
The City states that ESC staff do not pour gasoline from customer gas cans. Check the official container instructions before taking fuel to an ESC.
For preparation guidance, see the household hazardous waste recycling guide.
Verify ESC hours, quantities and material rules before traveling.
Houston Residency, ID and Drop-Off Rules
Residency documentation becomes especially important when you use a Neighborhood Depository for bulk waste, tree waste or other residential disposal.
Neighborhood Depository proof of residency
The City’s current requirements call for a current Texas-issued photo ID and matching proof of a City of Houston residential address.
- A current Texas driver’s license, DPS ID, Texas License to Carry or other listed qualifying identification.
- A utility bill for power, water or gas from the current month or previous two months, with the address matching the ID.
- If no utility bill is available, a current lease or rental agreement may be used when its Houston address matches the ID.
- Special documentation rules apply to qualifying out-of-state property owners.
- Out-of-state students at Houston universities may use the City’s listed student-ID exception.
Monthly-use rule
Houston says residents may use the Neighborhood Depositories up to four times per month. Do not assume this residential service is available for commercial hauling or contractor waste.
Vehicle and site rules
Residents should follow staff directions while unloading. The City lists pickup trucks and small trailers within its published size limits among allowed vehicle types and prohibits commercial-hauler waste.
Houston Curbside Recycling May Save You a Trip
Many Houston households do not need to visit a recycling center for ordinary weekly material. The City’s green curbside recycling carts accept a broad range of clean household recyclables.
Accepted curbside
- Newspapers, magazines and office paper
- Junk mail and catalogs
- Plastic containers #1–5 and #7
- Aluminum cans
- Bimetal cans
- Glass bottles, jugs and jars
- Flattened cardboard
- Gable-top and shelf-stable cartons
Keep out of curbside recycling
- Plastic bags and flexible film
- Greasy or food-soiled paper
- Paper towels and tissues
- Yard waste
- Clothing and textiles
- Large plastic household goods
Set the recycling cart out according to your collection schedule, keep it clear of obstructions, and leave at least three feet between the recycling and garbage containers where required for safe automated collection.
Check current Houston curbside recycling rules and schedules.
Before You Drive to a Houston Recycling Center
- Identify the exact material. Clean recyclables, bulk waste, electronics and household chemicals do not all use the same facility.
- Check the current day and hours. Westpark, Clear Lake, Kingwood, Neighborhood Depositories and ESC facilities use different schedules.
- Do not rely on an old Neighborhood Depository schedule. The six sites changed to Tuesday–Saturday, 9 AM–6 PM beginning January 4, 2026.
- Bring residency documents when required. Bulk and tree-waste drop-off requires the City’s proof-of-residency documentation.
- Arrive early. Houston recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before closing so there is adequate unloading time.
- Clean normal recyclables. Drain containers, keep paper dry and flatten cardboard before loading.
- Keep hazardous materials separate. Chemicals, fuels and other HHW need ESC handling rather than a normal recycling load.
- Count tires before leaving. Residential Drop-Off Centers list up to five passenger tires per visit and ten per month.
- Protect data on electronics. Remove personal information from computers, phones and other storage devices where practical.
- Use 311 for uncertain cases. When an item is unusual or the official page is unclear, verify the route before loading the vehicle.
Houston Recycling Center Map and Directions
The map below points to Westpark Consumer Recycling Center. Houston has several official recycling and drop-off locations, so use the individual map links if Clear Lake, Kingwood or an Environmental Service Center better matches your load.
Houston Recycling Center FAQs
What is the main recycling center in Houston?
Houston has several official recycling locations rather than one universal center. Westpark at 5900 Westpark is a major drive-through recycling option, while Clear Lake/Ellington and Kingwood provide additional geographic and weekend choices.
Which Houston recycling center is open Sunday?
Clear Lake/Ellington Airport is listed open seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Kingwood is listed open Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
What are Westpark Recycling Center hours?
The current City page lists Westpark at 5900 Westpark as open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Are Houston Neighborhood Depositories open Sunday?
No. Effective January 4, 2026, the six Neighborhood Depositories operate Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and are closed Sunday and Monday.
Where can I take furniture or a mattress in Houston?
Eligible Houston residents can use one of the six Residential Drop-Off Centers. The City lists mattresses and limited furniture among accepted bulk items, subject to residency and facility rules.
Where can I recycle a TV in Houston?
Westpark accepts residential electronics, including TVs, at no additional charge. Houston’s Environmental Service Centers also accept residential electronic waste.
Can I take paint to Westpark?
Westpark lists latex paint under its B.O.P.A. program. Oil-based paint and broader household hazardous waste should be checked against the Environmental Service Center program instead.
Do Houston drop-off centers require ID?
Neighborhood Depositories require proof of Houston residency for residential disposal. The City lists qualifying photo identification plus matching utility-bill or lease documentation, with limited exceptions for certain property owners and students.
How often can I use a Houston Neighborhood Depository?
The City says Houstonians may use the depositories up to four times per month.
Can I put glass in Houston curbside recycling?
Yes. Houston’s current curbside-recycling page lists glass bottles, jugs and jars among accepted materials. Empty and drain containers before recycling.
Are plastic bags accepted in Houston curbside recycling?
No. Plastic bags, shrink wrap and other flexible plastic film should not be placed in Houston’s green curbside recycling carts.
Who should I contact if I am unsure where an item goes?
Use the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department’s official disposal tools or contact Houston 311 before making a trip with an unusual, hazardous or high-volume load.
Official Sources Checked
This guide was refreshed using current City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department information covering recycling centers, Neighborhood Depositories, curbside recycling, electronics and Environmental Service Centers.
- City of Houston — Residential Recycling Centers
- City of Houston — Neighborhood Depositories / Residential Drop-Off Centers
- City of Houston — Recycling and Drop-Off Locations
- City of Houston — Curbside Recycling
- City of Houston — Electronics Recycling
- City of Houston — Environmental Service Centers
Verification date: September 30, 2026.