The Southeast station is one of four Drop-Off Stations the City of Fort Worth runs for its residential sanitation customers, and the rules are stricter than most people expect. Turning up without the right paperwork, or with the wrong trailer, means being turned around at the gate.

Eligibility is tied to a solid waste account, not simply to living in Fort Worth. You need a copy or photo of your water utility bill from within the last six months, showing sanitation charges under Account Activity, together with a matching driving licence. You cannot lend your bill to someone else — if you are helping a neighbour, you have to go with them.

Live in a Fort Worth apartment? You may use your licence alone, but only to drop recycling and household hazardous waste. Everything else is limited to account holders. Non-residents are not admitted at all.

Opening times are Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Both Sunday and Monday are closed, along with nine city holidays.

The quantity limits are the part worth memorising. Tyres: four per household every six months, rims separated. Small home repair and remodelling waste: one visit a month, up to five cubic yards. Computers and televisions: two every six months. Household chemicals: 20 gallons every three months. Fluorescent tubes: ten every three months. Shredding: three boxes a visit, six every three months.

Vehicles are restricted too. Single-axle trailers only, up to 8 feet long, 6 feet wide, with the load no more than 3 feet high. Dual-axle trailers, box trucks and commercially marked vehicles are all refused.

Refrigerators and air conditioners are welcome and the freon does not need removing, though food must come out first. Loose leaves, grass or debris must be bagged. Concrete, rock, dirt, tile, roofing material, asbestos, pressurised tanks and titled vehicles all go elsewhere — usually the city's Southeast Landfill at 6288 Salt Road, where fees apply.

Children under 12 and pets must stay in the vehicle. Questions go to 311 on (817) 392-1234.