Pinellas County will be implementing a zoned collection plan for Hurricane Helene debris in the unincorporated areas that received critical storm damage. They will share a link to a GIS map showing the collection schedule soon. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to work with their insurance adjusters and document damages for reimbursement.
If you live in a municipality, contact your city or town about debris pickup availability in your area. If you’re unsure whether your property is in unincorporated Pinellas or a city, use the interactive My Neighborhood Services tool. To qualify for FEMA reimbursement, Pinellas County cannot accept storm debris from within cities.
Now that local emergency orders are no longer in effect, Pinellas County Solid Waste cannot accept storm-related debris from residents or private haulers. The facility is not an approved site for storm debris disposal.
What to Do Now:
- Place storm-generated debris adjacent to, but not in, the road, gutters, or near storm drains, and separate by type:
– white goods (appliances)
– demolition debris
– large tree limbs or fence pieces cut to 4-foot lengths. - Bagged or unseparated debris will not be collected. The type of debris collected will vary based on location and impacts.
- For manageable vegetative debris like branches, twigs, and leaves, place it in your receptacle or bags for your regular trash collection provider. Small piles of vegetative debris will not be collected.
- If you live in an unincorporated area and wish to avoid waiting for the County’s storm debris collection, you can take it to one of the three locations below. You must show ID proof of residence in an unincorporated area:
- Starting Monday, Sept. 30, from noon to 7 p.m.: east-central location at 13600 Icot Boulevard, Clearwater.
- Starting Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: north location at the southeast corner of East Lake Road and Keystone Road (enter off Keystone Road).
- Starting Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: west-central location at 14800 118th Ave N., Largo.
Additional Advice:
- Remove wet contents immediately to prevent mold, including carpeting, furniture, bedding, and other moisture-retaining items, as they can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
- Mud from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
- Do not dump debris on any right-of-way or vacant lot, as this is a third-degree felony. To report dumping or for more information, call (727) 464-4425, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- If you need help with cleanup, volunteers may be available. Crisis Cleanup has activated the Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386. This hotline connects people needing help with local volunteers for tasks like mucking out, tree removal, tarping, and debris cleanup. All services are free, but availability is not guaranteed. This hotline will remain open through Oct. 11, 2024. Please note that it cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, insurance, or questions about FEMA registration. Volunteers provide necessary tools and equipment free of charge.