Mayor Whitmire Directs Solid Waste Management Department to Organize Special Pickup for Garbage Containers

September 4, 2025 -- Mayor John Whitmire has directed the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) to launch "Can Blitz," a new program designed to provide residents faster and more convenient access to new or replacement trash cans (black bins).

Can Blitz will launch on Friday, September 5 and then operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with additional hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at three convenient locations across the city.

The program is part of Mayor Whitmire's commitment to provide residents with more flexible service options by allowing them to pick up containers directly rather than wait for scheduled delivery. Through this program, residents can exchange damaged cans for a new one or obtain a first-time container for a new home.

"Until I appointed a new director in Solid Waste, we had no idea of the magnitude of the challenges people faced to get a new container. Director Larius Hassen has put in operational efficiencies from top to bottom, and he is implementing the improvements I asked him to make," said Mayor Whitmire. "The department has experienced a significant surge in requests to replace damaged or missing containers and from residents moving into new subdivisions and homes under construction."

Over the last month, approximately 1,596 new homes were added to the system, and an additional 7,080 homes in various stages of construction are expected to come online soon, further increasing demand.

Can Blitz Details:
Friday, Sept. 5, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Three Convenient Pickup Locations:

What to Bring:

1. A copy of your water bill (for address verification)
2. Your 311 Service Request (SR) number
3. If replacing a can, please bring the damaged one to receive your replacement
   *Note: Add-A-Can is not eligible for pick up as part of this service.

"As we evaluate ways to improve operations, I want residents to know that waiting weeks for a garbage container is unacceptable, and we are taking steps to resolve it," said SWMD Director Larius Hassen.

For residents who are unable to pick up their can, delivery will continue through the regular 311 service request process.