TAMPA, Fla. — As Hurricane Milton heads toward Florida, many residents are wondering what to do with their debris from Hurricane Helene.
The National Hurricane Center says Floridians should prepare for Milton to bring "life-threatening impacts" to Florida's west coast.
At a news conference on Sunday morning, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he ordered all disaster debris management sites to remain open to allow for 24-hour drop-off.
"All assets that can help with debris removal are being marshaled to help remove the debris," he said.
The governor also directed state personnel such as the Florida National Guard and the Florida Department of Transportation.
Here's a county-by-county guide to pickup and removal.
Citrus County
In Citrus County, officials said that storm debris should be placed curbside, without blocking storm drains or the roadway. Any debris that's placed between the sidewalk and your home will not be picked up.
The county said to separate debris into six different categories to ensure efficient pickup. Tap here for a complete debris removal guide.
Waste Management has resumed regular household trash collection. Recycling is being suspended until further notice to prioritize waste collection. For more information, tap here.
Hernando County
In Hernando County, areas included in debris removal pickup are between CR 550 (Cortez Blvd) and Osowaw Blvd., west of US 19. Only storm-related debris will be collected. To ensure you're disposing of your debris correctly, learn more here.
Debris can be dropped off at the West Hernando Convenience Center.
Hillsborough County
Here's a list of collection centers:
- Alderman's Ford Solid Waste Facility - 9402 County Road 39 in Plant City
- Hillsborough Heights Solid Waste Facility - 6209 County Road 579 in Seffner
- Northwest County Solid Waste Facility - 8001 W. Linebaugh Avenue in Tampa
- South County Solid Waste Facility - 13000 US Hwy 41 in Gibsonton
- Wimauma Solid Waste Facility - 16180 W. Lake Drive in Wimauma
Manatee County
Debris collection is underway in Manatee County. County leaders said to separate debris from your garbage and into these three categories:
- Vegetative (e.g. tree branches)
- Construction/demolition (building materials, furniture/mattresses, fencing)
- Appliances/white goods
Debris haulers will go through impacted areas multiple times, officials said. For more information, tap here.
Pasco County
County officials say crews and additional contractors are working as fast as possible to clear remaining debris from Hurricane Helene.
Some roads will be temporarily closed to remove debris safely and quickly. The debris operation site is moving from Magnolia Valley Golf Course to a more remote location off Denton Avenue.
Residents are encouraged to bring their debris to the West Pasco Resource Recovery Center at 14606 Hays Road in Spring Hill, which is accepting storm debris 2/7 while conditions allow. Officials are asking residents to bundle or cover debris on curbs and secure other debris in a closed area like a shed or garage.
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg officials said additional contractors will be working 24/7 to clear as much storm debris as possible before Milton. If people want to take care of it themselves, they can take all vegetative debris to a city brush site.
The city is opening a debris management site for residents and private haulers at 7401 22nd Ave N. Officials say to enter on 72nd St. and exit on 22nd Ave. N.
For the drop-off locations in St. Petersburg, click here. Private haulers can dump debris at these sites.
Those living in unincorporated areas of the county can take their debris to one of the three locations below. You must show I.D. proof that you live in an unincorporated area:
- East-central location: 13600 Icot Boulevard, Clearwater
- North location: southeast corner of East Lake Road and Keystone Road - enter off Keystone Road.
- West-central location: 14800 118th Ave N., Largo
Polk County
Polk County’s Roads and Drainage Division will collect hurricane debris, including yard waste that does not meet residential collection guidelines and other materials. Waste must be hurricane-related. For more information, tap here.
Sarasota County
Sarasota County began collecting storm debris on Wednesday.
County leaders provided the following guidelines:
- Place large storm-related debris separately from regular garbage at the curb for collection.
- Separate items by category (construction and demolition materials, furniture/mattresses and appliances/white goods).
- Any construction and demolition materials contained in plastic bags should be placed with the regular garbage.
Disposal guidelines for those not living on the barrier islands can be viewed here.
If you need help cleaning up debris from Hurricane Helene, the county is offering free "Crisis Cleanup" services. Call (844) 965-1386 for more information.
