U.S. EPA

TEXT VERSION OF THE GRAPHICAL PDF POSTED ON PAGE https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/managing-debris-after-natural-disaster

IMAGE: DRAWING OF A HOUSE SHOWING VARIOUS TYPES OF DEBRIS, WITH THE FOLLOWING TEXT DESCRIBING HOW TO HANDLE DEBRIS

Managing Debris After a Natural Disaster

Hauling hurricane-related debris to the curb in participating areas.

Following these specific guidelines will make for a speedier removal process.

Check with your local government on what is available for you.

Picking up the pieces.

Wrong way. Any debris placed from the sidewalk toward your property will not be picked up. Contractors cannot collect items on private property.

Do not set debris against trees or poles. Doing so makes it harder for cleanup crews to scoop up the items.

Correct way. Homeowners are being asked to separate debris into the following categories.

Household garbage, bagged trash, discarded food, packaging, paper, all garbage should be placed curbside the night before the scheduled weekly pick up. 

Construction debris, building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, mattresses, plumbing.

Vegetation debris, tree branches, leaves, logs.

Household hazardous waste, oils, batteries, pesticides, paints, cleaning supplies, compressed gas.

White goods, refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers, air conditioners, stoves, water heaters, dishwashers.

Electronics, televisions, computers, radios, stereos, DVD players, telephones.

Helpful hints:

Limit curbside garbage to two 32-gallon containers or 8 trash bags.

Refrigerator and freezer doors must be secured with duct tape.