City of Katy residents are invited to roll up their sleeves and give back to the community during the annual Don’t Mess With Texas Trash-Off, happening Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon at First Baptist Church of Katy. Hosted by Keep Katy Beautiful, this one-day environmental event combines volunteer litter pickup and recycling opportunities to make a big impact in just a few short hours.

The Trash-Off is part of Texas’ signature statewide cleanup initiative, coordinated by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Keep Texas Beautiful, and ties into the national Great American Cleanup led by Keep America Beautiful. The event invites volunteers of all ages to come together to clean public spaces, reduce pollution, and support sustainability in their hometown.

Why Recycling and Cleanup Matter

Participating in community recycling events like the Katy Trash-Off helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and waterways. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling conserves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and preserves natural resources like timber, water, and minerals.

Litter removal is just as crucial. The EPA also reports that roadside litter can harm wildlife, pollute stormwater systems, and diminish the appearance of neighborhoods—making community cleanup days a vital tool in protecting public health and the local ecosystem.

Mobile Sidebar Ad

Volunteer for a Cleaner Katy

Residents can build a cleanup team with friends, neighbors, or co-workers to help clear litter from Katy’s roadsides, parks, and public spaces. Volunteers will be provided with everything needed, including:

• Gloves

• High-visibility safety vests

• Trash pickers

• Collection bags

No prior experience is necessary—just bring a willingness to help and a little community spirit. To join, individuals or groups can email kkb@cityofkaty.com for more information or to register their team.

Drive-Thru Recycling Collection: What You Can Drop Off

In addition to volunteer cleanup efforts, the Trash-Off includes a drive-thru recycling event. Residents can drop off a wide variety of recyclable items to help keep them out of landfills.

Accepted Recyclables

Electronics

• Laptops, desktops, and monitors

• TVs, printers, copiers, scanners

• Phones, routers, modems

• Cables, chargers, batteries

• Toner cartridges, circuit boards

Scrap Metal & Appliances

• Refrigerators, stoves, microwaves

• Washers/dryers, fans, BBQ pits

• Ladders, bicycles, metal tools

Paper (excluding cardboard)

• Office paper, printed paper (paperclips and staples allowed)

Plastic Bags & Packaging

• Grocery and produce bags

• Bubble wrap, plastic mailers

• Dry cleaning bags

Eyeglasses

• Will be collected by Katy Lions Club for reuse and redistribution

Textiles

• Gently used clothing, shoes, purses

• Hats, jewelry, drapes, blankets

• Stuffed animals and soft toys

Mobile Sidebar Ad

Items Not Accepted at the Event

To ensure safety and efficiency, the following items will not be accepted:

• Cardboard

• Plastic bottles

• Yard debris

• Paint and motor oil

• Tires

• Hazardous or medical waste

• CRT monitors and mercury devices

How Katy Residents Benefit from the Trash-Off

Events like the Trash-Off create lasting benefits. They:

• Reduce litter and pollution in local neighborhoods

• Encourage sustainable habits like recycling and waste reduction

• Educate the community on the importance of environmental stewardship

• Strengthen community bonds through shared volunteerism

Make a Difference in Just One Morning

Whether you’re cleaning up your neighborhood, dropping off old electronics, or volunteering for the first time, the 2025 Trash-Off offers an easy and impactful way to contribute to a cleaner, greener Katy.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this citywide effort to Keep Katy Beautiful. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 5, and bring your team spirit—and maybe a reusable water bottle—for a morning that truly makes a difference.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.