The Solid Waste Management Program coordinates solid waste management and waste reduction programs in the region, as well as provides resources and technical assistance to local governments and other entities.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) includes solid waste resulting from or incidental to municipal, community, commercial, institutional, and recreational activities, including garbage, rubbish, ashes, street cleanings, dead animals, abandoned automobiles, and all other solid waste other than industrial solid waste.
The Texas Waste Disposal Act (Chapter 361, Texas Health and Safety Code) establishes priorities for the management of solid waste in Texas. The State does not directly provide solid waste management services. The provision of solid waste management in Texas is primarily the activity of private companies and local governments.
The state’s 24 Councils of Governments (COGs) have been designated as the regional municipal solid waste (MSW) planning entities for Texas, and are responsible for developing municipal solid waste management plans (regional plans) to encourage regional approaches to providing services and reducing MSW generation and disposal.