Update #18: City of St. Petersburg Continues Aggressive Storm Debris Clean-Up Efforts

Update #18: City of St. Petersburg Continues Aggressive Storm Debris Clean-Up Efforts

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (October 18, 2024) - In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of St. Petersburg is actively working to tackle an unprecedented amount of storm-related debris. City crews have responded swiftly, launching a comprehensive clean-up operation with an all-hands-on-deck approach, including activating the City's disaster debris contractors and monitoring company. The City of St. Petersburg is committed to completing the massive debris clean-up within 90 days.

Since the first storm made landfall, more than 47,000 cubic yards of debris have already been cleared. Currently, 67 City trucks and 61 contracted debris haulers are actively working throughout St. Pete, operating seven days a week, until the clean-up is complete.

To further support the effort, the City's Economic Development team introduced the Hometown Recovery Haulers program, designed to engage small businesses in the debris removal process. In two weeks, Hometown Haulers have completed more than 2,200 debris pickups in some of the hardest-hit areas.

"As we continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, our top priority is getting St. Pete back to normal as quickly as possible," said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. "We understand the frustration of seeing storm debris still piled up, and while the process is difficult and time-consuming, our teams are working around-the-clock to remove it. The sheer volume of debris, combined with limited regional resources, has made this a challenging operation, but we are committed to completing the clean-up as swiftly and efficiently as possible. I want to thank our residents for their patience and resilience during this time."

Debris by the Numbers:

• 47,000 cubic yards of debris has been picked up citywide to date.

• On average ,1,000 loads per day are dropped off at the City's Temporary Debris Management Site (1953 72nd St. N).

• 2,200 loads in total have been picked up by the Hometown Recovery Haulers.

Private Options for Debris Removal

For those who prefer not to wait for City debris collection, additional disposal options are available:

• Residents who have vegetative and construction / demolition debris can take their debris to the City's Temporary Debris Management Site, located at 1953 72nd St. N, at no charge. Privately-hired companies are also able to take debris to this location.

• Residents who only have vegetative debris are welcome to drop it at one of the five City Brush Sites. Brush sites are currently closed to private haulers. Brush site locations are available here.

Debris Update in City Parks:

We know residents and their families are eager to return to normal daily life after major storm events, this includes the usage of parks and other public spaces that encourage regular outdoor activities and sports to resume. Residents can expect to see City crews cleaning up parks and a combination of city crews, contracted workers, and private haulers picking up debris citywide. Updates on the re-opening of parks will be available Monday, Oct. 21.

Where is Debris Being Collected?

City contractors are taking debris to Commerce Park, the City's Debris Management Site. This site is not open to the public. Debris is sorted and sent to different locations, depending on the type of debris. Vegetative debris is turned into mulch, where as construction and demolition debris is compacted and processed outside of the County.

Residents are reminded to place storm debris in separated piles at the curb, no trash bags, to facilitate easier collection. More info at: www.stpete.org/recovery.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.