Special Events
The Solid Waste and Recycling Division and the Recycle and Solid Waste Reduction Board host a variety of special events. Please be aware that while most events are open to the general public, there are a few that are restricted to residents only.
- Christmas String Light Recycle
- Paper Shredding, E-waste and Mattress Collection Event
- Christmas Tree Recycling
- Community Carnivals
- National Drug Take-Back Day
- Scouting Fun Patch
- Composting Course
In conjunction with the Houston Zoo, the City will be accepting holiday string lights for recycling at the following facilities until January 10, 2020:
- Public Works Offices
- 3826 Amherst St.
- Community Building
- 6104 Auden
- West U Recreation Center
- 4210 Bellaire Blvd.
Residents wishing to recycle holiday string lights after this period, may do so at the City’s bi-annual e-waste collection event that occurs the first Saturday in May and November.
NOTE: The next event is scheduled Saturday August 8, 2020.
If you have any questions, please call Public Works at 713.662.5839 or email Public Works.
Next scheduled event:
SATURDAY AUGUST 8, 2020
TIME: 9:00 a.m. TO 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION: 3826 MILTON STREET
Event Info
The City hosts 2 free shredding events (Spring and Fall) each year for West U residents only. The event is held on the 1st Saturdays of May and November.
Shredding Limit
There is a limit of 5 banker boxes per household and the event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 P.M. No business shredding is allowed.
E-Waste and Mattress Recycling
In conjunction with the shredding event, residents may also bring electronics and mattresses to be recycled.
Location
The event is typically held at our Public Works Facility at 3826 Milton Street Please approach the event from the intersection of College Street and University Boulevard.
Residents Only
This event is open to West University Place residents only. Proof of residency required.
Christmas Tree Recycling Dates
The city will be collecting Christmas trees for recycling between December 26, 2019, and January 10, 2020.
How to Recycle Your Tree
Please place your tree, free of any foreign materials or objects (bulbs, lights, stands, etc.), curbside on your regular trash day. These trees will be taken to a local composter and recycled as mulch.
Trees Not Accepted for Recycling
Trees that are flocked or have ornaments, lights, stands, or any other foreign objects WILL NOT be accepted for recycling. These trees will be collected with your normal household trash and disposed of in the landfill.
Same Day Pick Up
Please be aware that we will do our best to collect your Christmas trees on the day they are placed curbside but occasionally due to the volume of trees, your tree may not be picked up the same day.
The Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Board participates in the community carnivals to help educate and inform residents of recycling and waste reduction opportunities and events. These carnivals are generally held by:
- West University Elementary
- West U Little League
Board Hosted Events
The Board typically hosts a tent at these events, where children can participate in a recycling game and residents can receive the latest information on how to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Recycling Bins
In an ongoing effort to help recycle, the Board encourages all residents to use the recycling bins at these events.
In conjunction with the National Drug Take-Back Day, this event is normally scheduled twice a year to collect unused prescriptions and expired over-the-counter medication. This event helps to ensure that these controlled substances are properly disposed of and do not harm people, animals or the environment.
For more information, visit the National Take-Back Initiative webpage.
Purpose
The Recycle and Solid Waste Reduction Board along with Scouting troops in the area have designed a program aimed to educate Scouts of all levels about the importance of recycling.
Requirements
Scouts must complete a minimum of five (5) requirements to be eligible for the patch. See information document link below for the full list of requirements.
Informational Documents
For more information, view the following documents:
WHEN: Saturday April 4, 2020
TIME: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Course Description: This three-hour courseis for people who want to learn how to compost in their backyard, and forpeople who have tried and experience some difficulty. Join West U resident Steve Stelzer who hassuccessfully composted in his backyard for 15 years and who has facilitated aSTAR Master Composter Training course for the City of Houston for the pastthree years. He will present slides, samples,and resources to give you the confidence to do it yourself and succeed. Free for residents, $10 for non-residents.
To Register: Resident registration is open now atthe West University Place Recreation Center, 4210 Bellaire Blvd. and online.
Important Online Registration:
1. Visit the West U website at www.westutx.gov/reg. (Activity/Event#106022.01) 2. To register online, you need a user nameand password. If you do not have a username and password, please allow three to five business days to receive thisinformation once you have created an account. 3. Choose your activity and clickto register. 4. Complete the registration, pay (if nonresident) with a credit card, and receive an instant email confirmation foryour enrollment.