Residents in Lakemont may not always see what happens after trash leaves the curb or water disappears down the drain — but those everyday decisions can have lasting consequences for local pipes, water systems and even property values.

A public education initiative by Take Care of Texas titled “Put Waste in Its Place” is reinforcing a simple message: how households dispose of common items like cooking grease, batteries, motor oil and electronics directly affects plumbing systems, stormwater infrastructure and the environment.

For homeowners, renters and families alike, proper waste disposal isn’t just about cleanliness — it’s about preventing costly repairs, protecting freshwater supplies and reducing landfill impact in Texas communities.

Why Proper Waste Disposal Matters in Lakemont

According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), everyday materials such as fats, oils and grease should never be poured down household drains because they can clog pipes and lead to expensive plumbing repairs and environmental contamination.

Clogged sewer lines and grease buildup can strain municipal wastewater systems, potentially leading to backups or infrastructure damage — issues that ultimately affect neighborhoods and local budgets.

Environmental experts consistently warn that improper disposal of household materials contributes to water pollution. The campaign notes that used motor oil from a single oil change can contaminate up to 1 million gallons of fresh water — roughly a year’s supply for 50 people.

For growing communities across Texas, including areas like Lakemont, protecting freshwater resources remains critical.

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The Texas Waste Reality: By the Numbers

The campaign highlights several statistics that put the issue into perspective:

• Each Texan contributes about 5 pounds of waste to landfills every day.

• The average household owns 28 electronic devices, many of which eventually require proper recycling.

• Food, yard trimmings, paper, glass, metal and plastics account for over 80 percent of household trash.

For residents in Lakemont, these figures underscore how small household choices add up across neighborhoods. Reducing waste by purchasing only what is needed, choosing reusable products and composting yard or food scraps where permitted can collectively reduce landfill strain.

Everyday Habits That Make a Local Difference

The “Put Waste in Its Place” initiative encourages residents to:

• Collect cooking grease in a container and dispose of it in the trash rather than down the drain.

• Recycle used motor oil at designated locations.

• Recycle rechargeable batteries through home improvement or electronics retailers.

• Properly inflate tires to extend their life — by nearly 5,000 miles — and recycle them when no longer usable

• Take household hazardous waste, such as fluorescent bulbs, pesticides and drain cleaners, to approved collection sites when available.

These practical steps not only reduce environmental risk but can also prevent unnecessary service disruptions and maintenance costs that affect entire neighborhoods.

What This Means for Homeowners and Families

For many families in Lakemont, home maintenance is already a major investment. Preventing pipe blockages from grease, avoiding illegal dumping fines and responsibly managing electronics or hazardous waste can protect both personal property and shared community infrastructure.

Proper waste management also supports broader community goals tied to stormwater protection, neighborhood cleanliness and long-term sustainability — all factors that residents often associate with quality of life and real estate stability.

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Where to Learn More

Residents can access additional recycling and disposal resources through the Take Care of Texas program at takecareoftexas.org, as referenced in the campaign materials.

As Lakemont continues to grow, maintaining strong environmental habits at the household level helps safeguard water supplies, infrastructure systems and neighborhood pride.

For more local updates and practical information that affects daily life in Lakemont, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.

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.