The City of Houston reports that the $5 per‑trash‑bag fee has led to better garbage collection performance, but illegal dumping and 311 complaints continue to be reported. City officials said they are now outlining additional steps to address the ongoing dumping issues.
The fee was introduced as a measure to fund improved waste‑management services and to help close budget shortfalls in the municipal trash system. While collection crews have noted the positive impact of the new revenue, the city acknowledges that illegal dumping remains a concern and that residents are still using the 311 system to report such incidents.