Storm Debris

Storms are common in The Woodlands, and due to our location in a hurricane-prone zone and the community’s heavily wooded environment, significant debris—such as fallen branches, fencing, and vegetation—can accumulate quickly. When severe storms roll through our area, there may be area-wide power outages, downed trees, and property damage. As you clean up after a storm, please follow these guidelines.

Who is responsible for debris clean up?

  1. Clean up of debris and repairs to property that are a direct result of storms and other related wind events are the responsibility of the home or property owner.

  2. Waste Management will collect yard debris and bulky items in accordance with its operating guidelines. Below is more information on these guidelines and what residents can do to assist with the process.

  3. Any roadway that is blocked by fallen trees and debris is the county's responsibility. Both Montgomery County and Harris County operate within the Woodlands Township boundary lines. Each county has precincts that provide government services. Residents should contact the county directly to have storm debris removed.
  4. The Township Parks department will manage storm debris and fallen trees on Township property. Fallen trees from the reserve onto private property should be reported to Township by filling out a request through the 311 portal, emailing 311@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or by calling the Resident Care Center at 281-210-3800. Trees and natural debris removed from pathways will most likely be placed in the surrounding forest to promote the natural decomposition process.

What do I do with tree & yard debris?

Residents and property owners should read the following information in detail regarding what can and cannot be placed curbside for pickup by Waste Management. Debris that does not fall within the Waste Management guidelines should be removed by the property owner and/or contractor/yard vendor. 

Residents can follow the curbside guidelines to get rid of large amounts of branches/fallen leaves if they are under the 4” x 4’ x 40 rule:

  • Branches, tree limbs and trimmings
    • No larger than 4 inches in diameter
    • Trimmed to 4 feet in length
    • Tied in bundles no larger than 4’ thick, placed in an open container, or bagged in Kraft lawn bags
    • Weigh no more than 40 pounds
  • For branches up to 6” in diameter and 6’ in length
    • Drop off at The Woodlands Recycling Center
    • 5402 Research Forest Drive, behind the Bear Branch Recreation Center
    • Hours: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Wednesday, 4 to 7 p.m.

If you hire a service to remove the tree or clean up the yard, residents should ensure that the price includes debris removal as Waste Management will not collect logs or large debris curbside.

Important Reminder: Branches and construction debris cannot be scheduled for bulky trash pickup.

How do I dispose of kitchen waste?

Prolonged power outages may result in food waste. Food waste and other mixed household trash that can rot must be disposed of separately from green waste or construction debris.

Curbside Trash Cart – Fit as much as possible in the cart. Extra bags of household trash require a pink tag.

  • Pink Tag –purchase for $2.00 each
    • One tag per bag. Set tagged bags out with your cart on your regular service day.
    • Bags cannot exceed 40 pounds and must be able to fit into the cart.
    • Tags are available at Kroger Customer Service in Cochran’s Crossing and Alden Bridge Village Centers or The Woodlands Township Town Hall.
  • Sprint Landfill now managed by Green for Life (GFL)
     gflenv.com/montgomery-county-landfill
    936-207-1100
    17851 TX-105, Conroe, TX
    Monday - Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Getting rid of construction debris?

If residents are removing damaged roofing, fencing, siding, etc., these items cannot be serviced as bulky pickup and cannot be placed by curbside carts. Below are options for disposal.

Onsite Options

  • Waste Management Roll Off (Dumpster) or Solid Waste Hauler
    • 20 or 30 yard sizes
    • Paid directly by the resident to the hauler

Drop-Off Locations

  • Montgomery County Precinct 3 Recycling Facility (fees apply)
    must be a Montgomery County Resident
    • 1122 Pruitt Road, Spring, TX 77380
      Monday - Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
      Closed 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
      Call 281-367-7283
      Review Fee Schedule
  • Harris County operates landfills and recycling centers where Harris County residents may dispose of debris. Please download and review this Recycle and Disposal Quick Guide(PDF, 5MB) for more information.

Waste Management did not pick up my items?

If, for some reason, your trash and yard waste were not picked up, please report the missed pickup directly to Waste Management.

Need more assistance?

If you still need assistance or have questions, please call the Resident Care Center by calling 281-210-3800.

 

The guidelines found on this page do not pertain to Declared Disasters, such as hurricanes. When the county has issued disaster declaration, different protocols are set into motion by the county to remove storm debris. Sign up for Township Alerts to receive notifications regarding declared disasters.

 

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