Houston receives new recycling trucks

After approving $12.4 million for the purchase of new recycling trucks in July, the city of Houston received the first nine of 31 trucks Monday, Aug. 18.

The new trucks will replace older vehicles that have been in service beyond their expected lifespans, and the city says the updated fleet will ensure fewer breakdowns during routes, while delivering more reliable collection.

“Recycling and garbage pickup are important quality-of-life issues and among my top priorities,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire says. “I understand the frustration of Houstonians with the unreliability of these services. We are replacing old vehicles, and this investment will enhance service. We are committed to improving both service and operations as we modernize the solid waste fleet.”

As reported by ABC13, Houston’s current trucks are more than seven years old with more than 150,000 miles. The remaining 22 recycling trucks will arrive over the next several weeks.

“We are investing in better equipment to deliver better service,” says Larius Hassen, director of Solid Waste Management. “These new trucks are here, and this is just the beginning. They will help our drivers complete routes on time, work safely and provide residents with the dependable collection service.”

The Solid Waste Management Department deployed the new trucks immediately after the Aug. 18 news conference.