Requirements for Junk Removal Companies in Texas
Note: This article is for informational purposes only. Please check with your state, county, and city government offices for complete guidance.
Unlike many other states, the state of Texas does not issue general contractor licenses for junk removal businesses.
That said, junk haulers in Texas who are transporting solid waste must obtain a special permit if they are using an enclosed vehicle or stationary compactor. Registration fees are $100 per vehicle.
Depending on the type of waste you’re hauling, you may be subject to additional regulations. For example, Texas regulates hazardous waste and some types of non-hazardous waste, including industrial waste. The full regulatory guide can be found here.
Although the state of Texas doesn’t require a contractor license, some municipalities do require permits and licenses to haul waste. A few city requirements are outlined below. Contact your local county and city offices for more information.
City of Austin Requirements
Junk haulers working within the city of Austin must obtain a private hauler license. You can download the hauler license application here:
In addition to submitting your application, you’ll need to provide the following information to the City of Austin Code Department:
- Certification of insurance. You’ll need both commercial general liability and commercial auto liability insurance.
- State of Texas Vehicle Inspection Certification (required to each licensed vehicle)
- The vehicle License fee of $395 per vehicle annually (applies to vehicles that make trips to the landfill. Vehicles that only haul to recycling, compost, and mulching facilities are exempt).
- Tonnage Report/Remittance for the prior reporting period
Once you’ve submitted all of the required documents, you’ll need to call 3-1-1 to make an appointment with the city.
City of Corpus Christi Requirements
If you are hauling solid waste in Corpus Christi, you will need a hauler permit.
- The permit application to work as a private hauler can be found here. The fee is $50/year.
- In addition to a permit, you’ll need commercial general liability insurance and auto liability insurance.
- If you hire employees, you’ll need to provide proof of workers’ compensation coverage through a licensed insurance company.
City of San Antonio Requirements
Haulers collecting commercial solid waste are required to hold a Commercial Solid Waste Hauler Vehicle Permit.
Permit fees are based on gross vehicle weight (GVW).
- For vehicles weighing less than 7,000 pounds, the fee is $150.
- For vehicles weighing 7,000 pounds or more, the fee is $2,250.
If your vehicle is 7,000 pounds or more, you’ll also be required to show proof of liability insurance.
Note: The city of Antonio maintains a list of permitted private haulers. It’s a helpful list if you’re interested in seeing who your potential competitors are.
Where to Dump Garbage & Debris in Texas
Austin: The largest landfill in Austin is the TDS Austin and Travis County Landfill in Creedmore.
Dallas: McCommas Bluff runs a landfill and a number of transfer stations. The list of locations can be found here.
El Paso: The City of El Paso operates the Greater El Paso Landfill, located at 2600 Darrington Road, in Clint, TX. Hours of operation and restrictions can be found here.
Fort Worth: The Southeast Landfill in Fort Worth is located at 6288 Salt Road Fort Worth, TX 76140.
Houston: The City of Houston publishes a directory of disposal sites here.
San Antonio: The City of Antonio has several private landfills. A list can be found here.
Other Disposal Facilities around Texas
Texas Disposal Services (TDS) has a landfill in Creedmore and a number of transfer facilities throughout the state. Pricing depends on the waste being dumped and can be found here.
TDS transfer facilities are located in:
- Alpine
- Beecave
- Georgetown
- San Angelo
- San Antonio
- Sealy
- Weimar
In addition to the larger dumping sites available for trash disposal, many smaller cities have their own disposal sites. Please contact your municipality for more information.
Are you interested in becoming a junk hauler in Texas?
We lead a junk removal training program designed to walk you through the process of starting a junk hauling company. Request our free info kit and syllabus below for more information.
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