City begins storm debris collection on Monday, Oct. 7

Curbside collections of residential debris left by Hurricane Helene will begin for Sarasota city residents on Monday, Oct. 7. The schedule will allow residents time to remove and place damaged materials by the street and also provide for seasonal residents to return to begin the process.

To ensure pickup, debris must be separated into four distinct piles:

• Construction debris: carpeting, drywall and other flood-impacted construction materials.
• White goods: appliances including refrigerators, ranges, washing machines, dryers, air conditioning units and water heaters.
• Bulk items: furniture and accessories, mattresses and other items affected by flood water within a home or structure.
• Vegetative debris: downed tree branches, limbs and vegetative material.

Debris placed in plastic bags will not be collected.

Properly separating storm debris will help the city meet federal requirements for financial reimbursement. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will not credit the city for reimbursement of items contained in plastic bags. The piles should be placed curbside at the right of way, not in the street.

Large mechanical equipment will be used for the collection. Anything blocking access to the debris piles, including parked cars, will delay pickup. Debris piles should be at least six feet away from mailboxes, utility poles, fire hydrants, backflow preventers, water meter boxes, etc.

Regular weekly solid waste/recycling/yard waste must be separated from storm debris piles.