Materials may not be picked up on traditional neighborhood route days, staff advises the public
Residential yard waste collections in the City of Sarasota have resumed, the city announced on Oct. 20.
“Minimal amounts of vegetative debris, such as small branches, twigs, leaves and weeds, should be properly prepared in bags or containers for curbside collection,” a news release explains. City of Sarasota Solid Waste crews will collect the yard waste within 48 to 72 hours of the regularly scheduled pickup day, the release adds.
“Regular yard waste must be separated from Hurricane Ian storm debris,” the release stresses. “To receive federal reimbursement for storm debris pickup, the City must comply with FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency] regulations,” which prohibit the mixing of yard waste and storm debris, the release points out.
Residential yard waste must be prepared as follows, the release explains:
- Bagged (preferably in a paper bag) or in a container.
- Items must be less than 4 feet in length.
- Waste in a bag or container must weigh less than 50 pounds.
- Yard waste must be placed curbside, 5 feet away from poles, fire hydrants, mailboxes and water meters.
The city’s storm debris hauler, Ceres Environmental Services Inc., “has 23 crews actively picking up residential debris daily from dawn to dusk in neighborhoods throughout the city,” the release says. “Vegetative debris is being collected first,” it adds.
Storm debris must be separated into distinct piles, as follows, the release points out:
- Vegetative materials.
- Fencing and construction materials.
- Appliances.
As with yard waste, residential storm debris must be placed curbside, 5 feet away from poles, fire hydrants, mailboxes and water meters, the release continues. “Residents must avoid depositing debris in the street, as it can clog storm drains and cause street flooding,” the release emphasizes.
It is estimated that the amount of debris produced by Hurricane Ian is twice as much as that remaining after Hurricane Irma struck in 2017, the release notes. “Residents are asked to be patient as collection crews make their way through neighborhoods.”
Further, the release explains, “Storm debris from commercial properties is the responsibility of the property owner.” Property owners are advised to contact their insurance companies or the FEMA Small Business Assistance Program for help with debris removal.
Additionally, an interactive map is available for City of Sarasota residents to determine their storm debris collection zone and status.
Moreover, a storm debris hotline is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 941-584-9533 to speak with a representative.
For more information on yard waste collection, a person may contact the Solid Waste Division at 941-365-7651.