Waste Matters

Spring cleaning and yard work can generate a lot of debris and unwanted items that can pose a real danger during a hurricane.

Here are a couple of waste related things to keep in mind when you’re cleaning up around your home.

Pre-Storm Season Maintenance

• Contact your waste collector about removing bulky waste and discarding your unwanted items.

• Cut back your trees and weak branches that could come in contact with your home or your building. Be careful of power lines.

• Thin the foliage of your landscaping so the wind can fl ow freely through branches, decreasing the chance that plants will be uprooted.

• Take advantage of your regular collection days for tree trimmings and yard waste.

Don’t let waste pile up. Always follow the 6 ft/50 lbs rule: bundles of yard waste cannot exceed 50 pounds or 6 feet in any direction. Remember, waste is collected by hand labor.

As the Storm Approaches

• Don’t trim trees once a Hurricane Watch or Warning is announced. This should be done before a Watch or Warning is announced.

• Don’t take trash to the curb, transfer stations or landfills during a hurricane Watch or Warning period. Services will be suspended and facilities may close early to prepare for the storm.

After the Storm Has Passed

• Watch News Channel 8 for service and bulletin information.

• All services will resume as soon as possible after an emergency, although it may be several weeks before yard waste can be removed. A public announcement will be made when services will resume their normal schedule.

• Keep household garbage separate from other waste materials in securely tied plastic (not paper) bags. This will prevent it from becoming a health hazard should there be a delay in garbage collection. Remember, garbage collection will always take priority over other waste collection services.

• Place small debris, loose items and household garbage in garbage cans or plastic bags. (Weight limit is still 50 lbs) Don’t place debris near a fence, mailbox, power line equipment, poles, transformers or downed electrical wiring.

• Haulers will pick up trash/debris curbside or on public roadways only.