ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Cleanup efforts are underway in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Thousands of homes across the Tampa Bay area were damaged by floodwaters from storm surge, which broke records in some areas.
If you're one of the many people who are recovering, here's what you need to know about debris removal in your area.
Pinellas County
Pinellas County will implement a zoned collection plan for storm debris in the unincorporated areas of the county that received critical storm damage, according to county leaders.
Residents should follow these guidelines:
- Place storm-generated debris, adjacent to but not in the road, gutters or near storm drains and separated by type: white goods (appliances), demolition debris, large tree limbs or fence pieces cut to 4-foot lengths. Debris that is bagged or not separated will not be collected.
- For residents with manageable vegetative debris such as branches, twigs and leaves, place it in your receptacle or bags and put it out for pick up by your regular trash collection provider. Small piles of vegetative debris will not be collected.
Those living in unincorporated areas can take their debris to one of the three locations below. You must show I.D. proof that you live in an unincorporated area:
- Starting Monday, Sept. 30, from noon to 7 p.m.: east-central location: 13600 Icot Boulevard, Clearwater
- Starting Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: north location: southeast corner of East Lake Road and Keystone Road - enter off Keystone Road.
- Starting Tuesday Oct. 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., west-central location: 14800 118th Ave N., Largo
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County will begin collecting storm debris on Monday, Sept. 30. Those impacted by flooding should place debris curbside without blocking the roadway or storm drains.
Residents should also separate materials into three categories: Yard waste, damaged household appliances and construction, and demolition debris, including furniture, drywall, carpet, and fencing.
Residents are also being asked to put debris out by the curb by Oct. 7. Areas impacted by flooding that have special debris pickups can be found here.
Those not on the map can haul larger amounts to Hillsborough County's five community collection centers:
- Alderman's Ford Solid Waste Facility - 9402 County Road 39, Plant City, FL 33567
- Hillsborough Heights Solid Waste Facility - 6209 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584
- Northwest County Solid Waste Facility - 8001 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa, FL 33625
- South County Solid Waste Facility - 13000 U.S. 41, Gibsonton, FL 33534
- Wimauma Solid Waste Facility - 16180 W. Lake Dr., Wimauma, FL 33598
Pasco County
Pasco County began accepting free storm-related debris drop-off on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the West Pasco Resource Recovery Center on 14606 Hays Road in Spring Hill.
The facility will be open Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Pasco residents will have to show proof of residency, according to county leaders.
Residents should follow these guidelines for storm-related debris:
- Separate all storm debris (whether you drop it off or leave it at the curb).
- Do not mix yard debris (branches, leaves, etc.) with home debris (mattresses, chairs, couches, etc.) or household garbage.
- Refrigerators and freezers MUST be emptied, with doors secured or removed.
- Keep in mind, your curbside debris might not be picked up immediately.
- Only residential storm debris is eligible for free disposal. Commercial debris will not be accepted.
- Both the West Pasco Resource Recovery Center and the East Pasco Transfer Station (9626 Handcart Road, Dade City) will be open for regular garbage drop-off.
Separate debris should be placed at the curb or roadside and residents should be careful not to block fire hydrants, mailboxes or any other structures. Residents should also not place any debris in bags.
Manatee County
Manatee County announced that beginning Monday, Sept. 30, contractors will begin collecting debris in Cortez, Ellenton, Terra Ceia, Rubonia and Palma Sola.
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.
Hernando County
In Hernando County, areas included in debris removal pickup are between CR 550 (Cortez Blvd) and Osowaw Blvd., west of US 19, according to county officials.
Here are some tips for debris removal in Hernando County, according to county leaders:
- All appliances should be emptied before being placed at the curb for pick up. Food waste can be disposed of with your regular household garbage.
- You may see multiple trucks on your street on the same day or trucks on different days, as each truck will be picking up a specific type of debris.
Landfill and Convenience Centers in Hernando County for debris removal are as follows:
- The Northwest Solid Waste Facility (Main Landfill: 14450 Landfill Rd.)
- The East Hernando Convenience Center (33070 Cortez Blvd.)
- The West Hernando Convenience Center (2525 Osowaw Blvd.)
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 the following six categories:
- Normal household trash: continue to follow your normal garbage removal schedule. It will not be picked up with disaster debris.
- Vegetative debris: logs, plants, tree branches, leaves (do not put in bags). If you have a lot of leaves and small twigs in plastic bags, you're asked to set those aside from brush piles.
- Construction and demolition debris: building materials, carpet, furniture, lumber, mattresses and plumbing
- Appliances and white goods: air conditions, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, stoves, washes and dryers, water heaters
- Electronics: computers, radios, stereos, televisions, other devices with a cord
- House hazardous waste: officials said no chemicals should be placed at the curb, as they can create a fire hazard
Officials also said to avoid placing debris near or on trees, poles or other structures. If you don't have a sidewalk, ditch or utility line in front of your house, place debris at the edge of your property before the curb.
Polk County
The Polk County Sheriff's Office will be available to answer calls for service if needed, including clearing debris from roads and homes.
Those with questions can call (863) 298-6200.
Sarasota County
Sarasota County will begin collecting storm-related debris on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
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.