Debris Removal Update

Do not put limbs, yard debris, construction debris, carpet, concrete, or other bulky or hazardous items in your trash cart. These materials will be collected separately by a contractor.

Contractors will be working in storm debris removal zones. These zones are typically utilized as snow removal zones, and the city will be using these same zones for storm debris collection.

Storm debris removal is critical for community safety and temporary debris sites are necessary to process and ultimately remove debris from our community. There is and continues to be a sense of urgency about debris removal. The longer storm debris remains in our neighborhoods and business areas, the longer we are living with fire and safety hazards. Removing storm debris improves residential and business neighborhood safety.

City of Asheville right-of-way debris collection has begun in areas with critical infrastructure. The community can begin to place sorted debris to the curb in the right-of-way.

Debris should be SEPARATED at the curb by category:

• Construction, demolition, and bulky items: Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing.
• Appliances: Refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher. Do not leave the doors unsealed or unsecured. Place refrigerators with door facing ground to prevent door opening.
• Electronics: TV, computer, stereo, phone, DVD players
• Vegetative Debris: Tree branches, leaves, logs, plants, stumps, trees.
• Household Hazardous Waste: Oil, batteries, pesticides, paint, cleaning supplies. Ensure all material is contained/closed and will not spill.

Presentation from Buncombe County.

Debris Guidelines

• Storm debris does not need to be bagged and can be placed in a pile.
• Do not block the roadway with debris and ensure access for large trucks and emergency vehicles.
• Do not place or lean debris near or on trees, poles, water meters, or other structures. This includes fire hydrants, utility boxes, and curbside trash carts.
• Contractors cannot collect directly from private property. However, if your pile starts at the curb in the right-of-way and stretches into your yard in a continuous manner, their equipment can reach about 18’, as long as there are no overhead lines or obstructions.
• Do not attempt the cleanup process without proper protective equipment: long pants, safety glasses, gloves and sturdy shoes are recommended.
• There will be multiple passes and collections – you do not have to have it all out at once.
• Ensure staff can still access your trash/recycling carts.

Mud and Sediment Removal

Soil should be separated from other debris with the following guidelines:

• No signs of Contamination (discoloration or abnormal odor such as fuel) – Soils and sediments from roadways, parking lots, and other open areas may be stockpiled in an area where they can be recovered and reused for construction or other needs in the recovery effort.
• Signs of Contamination (discoloration or abnormal odor such as fuel) – Soils and sediments from roadways, parking lots, and other open areas should be isolated and stockpiled on a surface, not allowing fluid to pass through, or a tarp and cover where possible.
• Removal from inside of Flooded Homes and Garages – If there is no sign of contamination, follow steps #1 above. If Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) type materials (cleaners, pesticides, etc) spilled into the mud, then it should be collected, dried, and sent to the landfill for disposal.
• Business/Commercial Removal with Contamination – Should be containerized pending determination of proper disposal in coordination with the Division of Waste Management, Inactive Hazardous Sites Branch. Regional contact is Brett Engard, (828) 767-2424 or [email protected].

Temporary storm debris management sites are not open to the public for use. City of Asheville Sanitation curbside collection customers can go to ashevillenc.gov/AVLcollects or download the free app, AVL Collects, to get alerts about trash and debris collection schedules and work happening in your area.

For more details, please visit www.ashevillenc.gov/helene/debris-removal.