What to know about Hurricane Helene debris pickup

What to know about Hurricane Helene debris pickup

Pinellas County will be implementing a zoned collection plan for Hurricane Helene debris in the unincorporated areas of the county that received critical storm damage. We will share a link to a GIS map showing the collection schedule in the coming days. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to work with their insurance adjusters and document damages for reimbursement.

If you live in a municipality, Contact your city or town about the availability of debris pickup in their area. If you're not sure if your property is located within unincorporated Pinellas or within a city/municipality, use the interactive My Neighborhood Services tool to find out. To qualify for FEMA reimbursement, Pinellas County cannot accept storm debris from within cities.

Now that local emergency orders are no longer in effect, Pinellas County Solid Waste cannot accept storm-related debris from residents or private haulers. The facility is not an approved site for storm debris disposal.

What to do now:

• 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. The type of storm debris collected for this storm will vary based on location and impacts and will be specified with the plan is announced.
• 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.
• If you live in an unincorporated area and do not want to wait for the County's storm debris collection, you can take it to one of the three locations listed 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

Additional advice

• Remove wet contents immediately to prevent mold, including carpeting, furniture, bedding and other items holding moisture. They can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
• Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
• Do not dump debris on any right-of-way or vacant lot. Doing so is a third-degree felony. To report dumping or for more information, call (727) 464-4425, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you need help with cleanup, volunteers may be available. Crisis Cleanup has activated the Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386. This is for people who need help cleaning up damage from the Hurricane Helene and connects people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able assist with jobs such as mucks outs (cleaning up), trees, tarp, and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed. This hotline will remain open through Oct. 11, 2024. Please note: This hotline cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, insurance, or questions about FEMA registration. Volunteers work free of charge and provide the tools and equipment necessary to complete the work.