Donate and recycle first — dispose last. Where to take furniture, appliances, mattresses, electronics, metal, and renovation debris around Houston.
Two things to know here: the City's depositories & recycling centers are residents-only and turn away commercial haulers, so business loads go to private landfills. And Texas taxes junk-removal as a service — you'll need a sales-tax permit and to collect it. These are general guidelines about where to go and what they take, not exact prices. Divert to donation and scrap first.
Usable furniture and working appliances belong here — cheaper than the scale, and it does some good.
Garbage/junk removal is a taxable service in Texas (Tax Code §151.0101). You need a Texas sales-tax permit and must collect state + local tax (sourced to the pickup address), residential and commercial alike. Unlike CA/IL, you can't say "no tax."
The City permits waste transporters (Code Ch. 47) and franchises commercial haulers (Ch. 39). Confirm whether ordinary junk hauling triggers a Solid/Special Waste Transporter Permit before you start — Houston Special Waste Program can tell you.
EPA Section 608 requires a certified tech to recover refrigerant before disposal; venting is illegal, and scrap yards / City centers need proof it was removed.
Hauling scrap tires for hire requires TCEQ registration, a manifest, and vehicle marking — and they must go to an authorized facility, never a landfill.
Texas metal-recycling law requires valid ID + your vehicle plate when you sell scrap; some restricted metals can't be paid in cash.
For informational purposes only. These are general guidelines to help you plan a run — not an official disposal guide or legal advice. Hours, accepted materials, fees, and rules change often and vary by load, so always confirm directly with the facility and follow all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.