City of Gainesville, FL

10/03/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/03/2024 14:20

Helene Recovery Update #2

Helene Recovery Update #2

Published on October 03, 2024

The City of Gainesville has secured a private disaster debris contractor to assist with yard waste clean-up efforts.

Disaster debris service for residential curbside customers only is expected to begin by Monday.

Due to the volume of vegetative debris, it's expected to take several weeks to collect all the debris in our community left by Hurricane Helene. Multiple passes will be made to remove all vegetative storm debris that needs to be collected.

Yard Waste

  • Neighbors are asked to place all yard waste curbside as soon as possible.
  • For neighbors living in gated communities within the city limits, homeowners associations (HOAs) must contact the Public Works Department at 352-334-2330 or [email protected] to complete a right-of-entry agreement. This agreement is required by FEMA and must be completed in order for hurricane debris to be collected.
  • Remember, regular branch weight (40 lbs) and diameter (8 inches) requirements have been waived but please work to limit the length of each branch to 5 feet.
  • There is no height limit for piling up yard waste.

Remember these guidelines when placing yard waste curbside.

  • Do not block streets, driveways, sidewalks, drainage ditches or storm inlets.
  • Do not place waste next to mailboxes, utility lines, utility boxes, poles or any other above ground obstructions.
  • Work performed by tree service contractors (i.e., tree surgeons or landscapers) should be hauled off by the contractor.

Use brown lawn bags or reusable containers for leaves, small twigs, and other loose debris.

  • The contractor will pick up piles of vegetative waste and lawn bags.
  • GFL will operate on its regular collection schedule and pick up yard waste in reusable containers.
  • Please do not place loose debris in plastic bags or on tarps; vegetative waste will be processed into mulch or composted for reuse.

The work of removing all the yard debris left by the hurricane will take time. The multiple neighborhood sweeps will occur in the coming weeks as the City of Gainesville manages this extended post-storm recovery. We appreciate everyone's patience as crews progress through the community.

Emergency Roof Tarps

The City is participating in "Operation Blue Tarp" and has 1,200 emergency roof tarps available for distribution.

A limit of two tarps will be provided free to each neighbor while supplies last.

Where: Former RTS administration/maintenance facility south of Depot Park near SE 10th Ave.

When:

  • 11 a.m.-7 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 4
  • 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. and Sun, Oct. 5-6
  • 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon., Oct. 7