Hurricane Helene Update No. 14
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2024) – Curbside solid waste collection for trash, recycling, and yard waste will resume as normal on Saturday, Sept. 28. Neighborhoods that have standing water or debris may experience delays with curbside collection operations. Residents with missed pickups due to Hurricane Helene can expect a pickup on their next scheduled collection day. All yard waste placed at the curb must follow the curbside yard waste collection guidelines.
The fastest way to get rid of that waste is to put it into containers or bags or cut it into lengths of four feet or less, and pile it neatly by the curb within yard waste collection guidelines so that your regular curbside hauler can collect it.
Storms often result in large amounts of debris ranging from yard waste like fallen tree limbs to household materials like portions of damaged roofs, fences, and drywall. As always, residents have the opportunity to haul larger amounts of storm debris or yard waste to a Hillsborough County Solid Waste facility; those facilities will be open and operating as normal on Saturday.
Residents should not allow tree trimming services to place trimmings curbside that do not follow curbside yard waste collection guidelines under the assumption that County solid waste services will collect those trimmings.
Residential property owners who need assistance with large amounts of yard debris are asked to contact the Solid Waste Management Department at 813-272-5680. The information will be routed to the Public Works Department, which will follow up within 72 hours. All requests for assistance will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The Public Works Department will provide more information on Monday, Sept. 30, to residents on the best way to dispose of the construction and demolition debris generated from Hurricane Helene.
Debris Cleanup
Keep this in mind before removing downed trees and picking up yard debris:
- Inspect the yard for electrical hazards. Do not interact with any materials, such as water, tools, tree branches, etc., that may be in contact with a live power line.
- Stay away from downed utility lines, telephone or cable lines, and fence wires. Be alert for wires dangling in trees. Assume all power lines are energized, and do not touch.
- Watch for broken limbs that are hanging or caught in other branches overhead that may fall.
- Use caution when operating chainsaws or other equipment. Always read and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions, guidelines, and warnings before operating power tools.
Form to Self-Report Damage Will Launch Sept. 28
The self-reporting form for residents and nonprofit organizations who sustained property damage during Hurricane Helene will be available at HCFL.gov/DamageAssessment on Saturday, Sept. 28. This form helps Hillsborough County evaluate the scope of damage to property in the area. Residents and nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship and agricultural/aquacultural entities, are encouraged to complete the form.
Get Connected. Stay Alert.
Make sure to have a plan. Residents and visitors are encouraged to register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County’s official public notification system for emergency and urgent alerts. To receive messages by email, phone, and text, go to HCFL.gov/StaySafe. Residents without digital access are encouraged to call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676, the County's storm information line.