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Special Events
The Solid Waste and Recycling Division and the Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Board host a variety of special events. Please be aware that while most events are open to the general public, some are restricted to West U residents only.
- Bi-Annual recycling event
- Christmas String Light Recycling
- Christmas Tree Recycling
- Community Carnivals
- Scouting Fun Patch
- Pumpkin Collection
- Candy Wrapper Recycling
Next scheduled event:
Saturday, May 2, 2026
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION: 3826 Milton St.
Event Details
The City hosts two free shredding & recycling events (Spring and Fall) each year for West U residents. The event is held on the 1st Saturday of May and November.
Shredding Limit
There is a limit of 5 banker boxes per household. Business shredding will not be accepted.
E-Waste, Mattress, Textile & Household Metal Recycling
Residents may also bring electronics, mattresses, textiles, and household metal items to be recycled.
Location
The event is typically held at the 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 only open to residents of West University Place. Proof of residency required.
In conjunction with the Houston Zoo, the City will be accepting holiday string lights for recycling at the following facilities, date TBD:
- City Hall
- 3800 University Blvd.
- West U Community Building
- 6104 Auden St.
- Public Works Offices
- 3826 Amherst St.
- 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.
If you have any questions, please call Public Works at 713-662-5839 or email Public Works.
Christmas Tree Recycling Dates
The city will be collecting Christmas trees for recycling, date TBD.
How to Recycle Your Tree
Please place your tree, free of any foreign materials or objects (bulbs, lights, stands, etc.), curbside on your regular yard waste collection 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.
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:
Pumpkin collection for COMPOSTING not landfilling, date TBD.
Uncarved - Place with yard waste. If large, place unbagged next to yard waste. Small pumpkins may be bagged with yard waste (Kraft Paper or compostable bags)
Carved (decorated, sealed, glittered, bleached, and/or painted) - Place in trash or remove decorations, wax, etc. and compost in your backyard.
Other eco-friendly options:
- Make a pumpkin planter
- Make a pumpkin bird feeder
- Feed critters in your backyard
Help keep West U's candy wrappers out of landfills!
Participate by bringing your empty candy wrappers to the Trick or Trash box located at the Public Works Administration Office at 3826 Amherst Street.