Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin filed a Notice of Intent to Sue regarding the Hawthorn Park Recycling & Disposal Facility on July 13, 2026. The notice was submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Waste Management, signaling a potential legal challenge over environmental and public health concerns affecting the nearby Carverdale community.

The landfill is operated by USA Waste of Texas Landfills, Inc., a subsidiary of Waste Management. Kamin said in a statement, "For decades, the Carverdale community has been forced to live with the impacts of this landfill — from flooding to health risks to environmental impacts, residents have had to grapple with uncertainty for their families and their homes." She added, "We are standing shoulder to shoulder with residents to ensure their children and grandchildren do not suffer the consequences."

The Harris County Attorney’s Office stated that the county has not been given access to groundwater sampling data from the company for years. If successful, legal action would move the landfill’s current permit toward closure and trigger post-closure requirements, including capping, covering, groundwater sampling, and long-term environmental monitoring.

This legal step follows prior opposition by Harris County, Carverdale residents, and a developer to Waste Management’s proposal to expand the landfill’s footprint and height before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Waste Management later withdrew its request to expand the landfill. "The withdrawal of the expansion permit was a critical win, but it does not close this landfill," Kamin said. She emphasized, "This community deserves answers and final resolution, not just a paused threat."

Houston City Council Member Amy Peck has worked with Carverdale residents on the landfill issue. "The Carverdale community is a treasured part of our city, and its residents deserve to live in a neighborhood with clean air, safe surroundings, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing their health and quality of life are protected," Peck said in a statement. She added, "I remain committed to standing with the Carverdale community and Attorney Kamin as we work toward a cleaner, healthier, and safer future for every family who calls this neighborhood home."

USA Waste of Texas, Inc. stated that the facility is governed by state regulations and a site-specific permit issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The company also stated that the facility is monitored, inspected, and tested by both Waste Management and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.