Don’t Let Your Trash Land You in Trouble In Texas

Growing up in West Odessa off of Palomino and Moss, there are things you notice but don't register because of how common it is. As a kid, I would volunteer with Keep Odessa Beautiful to pick up trash but the litter still felt like just a part of Odessa. I got older and started traveling further from the Lone Star State and this is when I realized Texas has a big litter problem.

Get our free mobile app

HOW DOES LITTER AFFECT TEXAS

The litter issue is so serious that it costs the state more than $50 million in cleanup. Midland and Odessa are not excluded from this. Working in the oilfield for many years I always saw tires, mattresses, couches and so much more dumped on county roads around town. Plus let's factor in all the dibree that falls off of all the oilfield traffic out here.

HOW TO AVOID LEGAL ISSUES

There are many resources locally to help with unwanted items you can't throw in the trash. Most cities have numbers to call to get bulk items picked up like furniture and appliances. Cities also have hazardous waste management plants for chemical waste. Don't forget you can also take your recyclable items to your local recycling centers.

My solution was to throw everything that fits into the dumpster behind my house but this can land you in some hot water. In Texas, many items are illegal to throw in the garbage. Some are obvious like hazardous materials but others on this no-throw list may surprise you. Here is the list of the most common items you can't throw in the garbage in Texas.