SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT ON SCHEDULE WHILE BEGINNING STORM DEBRIS REMOVAL
September 15, 2008 -- The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) is proceeding with normal garbage, yard trimmings and heavy trash collection operations. The only exception is curbside recycling. The Curbside Recycling crews are assisting the Yard Trimmings crews with vegetative storm debris collection and, therefore, will not be collecting the recyclable materials from the green bins.
On Monday, September 15, 2008, the SWMD will be collecting 3rd Monday's Heavy Trash. On Tuesday, September 16th , SWMD will be collecting 3rd Tuesday's Heavy Trash. The SWMD will continue collecting heavy trash according to the regular schedule.
The City of Houston will be receiving assistance from other cities to maintain the normal solid waste operations. The majority of the storm debris removal will be handled by a private hauler, DRC Emergency Services.
Beck Disaster Recovery (BDR), SWMD's Debris Management consultants and DRC are currently assessing storm damage throughout Houston. Additionally, the City's Neighborhood Protection Division is also conducting assessments. The City of Houston anticipates debris collection activities by the contractor to begin on Friday, September 19th . Under the debris contract, the private hauler has 180 days to complete its clean up. “Our expectation is that 80-85% of the job will be done within the first 90 days,” said John Buri of BDR.
SWMD Director Harry Hayes said, “We estimate that we will collect 22,000 cubic yards of storm debris today with our combined force of Heavy Trash and Yard Trimmings collection crews.” He added, “We will recycle as much vegetative storm debris as possible, in compliance with FEMA guidelines. Therefore, we are asking residents to separate the vegetative debris from the other types of storm debris.”
STORM DEBRIS DROP-OFF LOCATIONS
Beginning Tuesday, September 16th, SWMD will open its neighborhood depositories 7 days a week to accommodate small amounts of storm debris from Houston residents. One pickup truck load or less will be accepted. Hours of operations will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
SOUTH AREA -- 5100 Sunbeam, 713-738-1936 (Key Map 474A)
DEBRIS SET-OUT METHODS
Residents should place hurricane-related debris along the public right-of-way
When setting out debris please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as they may pose a threat to public health and safety.
Trees and branches should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in large piles along the right-of-way.
Be cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading.
Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, or roof shingles with the vegetative debris.
Do not mix hazardous material, such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, or appliances with vegetative debris.
