PICKING UP THE PIECES

Tips To Debris Sorting Following A Storm

DON’T PLACE DEBRIS HERE

Never place debris directly under power and cable lines or on utility boxes (electric or water). Keep the debris away from fire hydrants and utility poles. Residents are urged not to place debris on vacant lots or other private property.

Vegetation

Only clear damaged vegetation that has fallen and/or constitutes a hazard to life or property. Take pictures to prove there was a hazard in case a complaint is filed.

By Jim McCarthy

There’s plenty to consider when cleaning and sorting debris for pickup following a hurricane. Following these specific guidelines when hauling hurricane-related debris and household garbage will make for an easier and quicker removal. FEMA-eligible, hurricanerelated debris will be picked up free of charge by Monroe County contractors in unincorporated areas, Layton, and Key Colony Beach. Key West, Islamorada and Marathon have contractors who will pick up debris free of charge.

Before hurricane season begins, make sure to prepare your yard by clearing coconuts from palms and trimming foliage. Waiting to trim and clear foliage days before an impending hurricane will not guarantee removal of foliage/vegetation.

Illegal Dumping Is A Felony

Illegally dumping household appliances, construction materials, boats, trailers, RVs and vegetative debris on county-owned vacant land and rights-of-way and streets could land you in serious trouble — you very well could face a felony charge. The extra disposal cost is paid by Monroe County taxpayers for those who do not dispose of items properly.

MANDYMILES/KeysWeekly

Household appliances – beds, dressers, appliances, carpeting, etc. – can be removed by local haulers. Boats, boat trailers, RVs without motors, campers and other big items can be disposed of at one of Monroe County’s three transfer stations at a price per ton. Contact a transfer station regarding pricing: Cudjoe Key: 305745-2513; Long Key: 305-664-2263; and Key Largo: 305-367-4236.

Separating Debris

Homeowners are asked to sort debris into the following categories :

Household garbage - items include bagged trash, discarded food, packaging and papers.

Construction debris - building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, mattresses, plumbing.

Vegetation debris - tree branches, leaves and logs.

Household hazardous waste - oil, batteries, pesticides, paints, cleaning supplies and compressed gas.

Appliances - refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers, air conditions, stoves, water heaters and dishwashers.

Electronics - televisions, computers, radios.

For more information, visit monroecountyem.com/914/hurricane-debris-removal.

Every storm is different. Listen to local media, or read social media outlets, specifically radio and paper and county and city webpage and Facebook sites. These media outlets will provide for direction and instruction on how/when debris will be collected/ picked up.