Sarasota begins storm debris collection Wednesday

The city of Sarasota will begin storm debris collection and removal on Wednesday, Oct. 5, and residents will have a greater degree of responsibility to help ensure efficient service. Unlike regular yard waste pick up, there will be no specific scheduled days for storm debris collection. Residents are encouraged to place the material curbside as soon as possible.

Standard yard waste procedures are suspended for Hurricane Ian storm debris. To ensure debris is collected, residents are asked to follow these rules:

• Place vegetative debris at least five feet away from mailboxes, water meters, street signs, light poles, fire hydrants or any other ornamental structures. This will provide adequate room for heavy machinery to pick up debris.
• Do not place debris in the street or on top of storm drains. 
• Do not mix household waste, bulk waste or recyclables with storm debris. 
• Do not bag vegetative storm debris or place in a container. Bagged debris will be picked up, though it might not occur during the first collection cycle. Bagged debris must be kept separate from the vegetative storm debris pile.

All debris must be placed at the curb in the public right of way. It is the residents’ responsibility to bring the debris to the curb and properly separate it. At this time, debris removal crews will not enter onto private property to collect or remove debris.   

Collection for county residents begins Oct. 6 with the same rules for placing waste at the curb, though piles that include fresh landscaping or yard waste will be disqualified for pickup per FEMA regulations. Newly generated landscaping or yard debris from regular maintenance at your residence should be prepared properly for curbside pickup by Waste Management. Items should be 4 feet or less in length, 40 pounds or less in weight and bagged, containerized, bundled or tied.

Two public drop-off sites for Sarasota County residents who would like to self-transport vegetative storm  debris opened Monday, Oct. 3. The sites are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. There is no cost to residents to use the drop-off sites for residential vegetative storm debris.

The locations: 

• Rothenbach Park: 8650 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
• Jackson Road Transfer Station: 250 S. Jackson Road, Venice

The amount of storm debris is being estimated to double that of Hurricane Irma and will take several months to complete.