Landfills & Dumps in Texas

Texas solid waste management is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) under Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 330. The state operates one of the largest waste management systems in the country, with facilities ranging from major metropolitan landfills processing millions of tons annually to small rural convenience centers serving remote communities throughout the vast state.

Disposal fees in Texas vary dramatically by region and facility type, with metropolitan areas like Houston and Dallas typically charging $35-55 per ton for municipal solid waste, while rural landfills may charge as little as $20-30 per ton. Many facilities charge by volume for residential customers, with typical fees of $25-50 per pickup truck load. Brush and yard waste often have separate, lower fee structures at facilities with grinding operations.

Texas does not mandate statewide recycling but many cities and counties have implemented their own recycling programs. The state's Take Care of Texas initiative promotes voluntary recycling and proper disposal. Electronics recycling is encouraged through manufacturer take-back programs and retailer collection points. Many landfills and transfer stations maintain separate recycling areas for cardboard, metals, and other recoverable materials.

Special waste categories in Texas include used oil (accepted free at many auto parts stores and some landfills), tires (regulated under the Scrap Tire Program with disposal fees typically $2-5 per tire), and household hazardous waste (collected through periodic community events or at designated facilities). Construction and demolition debris requires disposal at Type IV landfills specifically permitted for this waste stream. Asbestos-containing materials require notification to TCEQ and disposal at permitted facilities.

Rural Texas residents should be aware that illegal dumping carries significant penalties, and many counties have established convenience centers to provide legal disposal options. Before visiting any facility, confirm acceptance of your specific waste type and current fees, as these can change with little notice. TCEQ maintains a searchable database of all permitted facilities, and many local governments publish directories of disposal options in their areas.