Hurricane Milton Debris Cleanup a Huge, Ongoing Task

The enormous task of removing the thousands of tons of debris created by Hurricane Milton damage across Polk County is a challenge for both residents and those doing the removal work. While most cities in the area have made great progress in the cleanup, for Polk County residents the task is a bigger problem, according to county officials..

"Polk County spans more than 2,000 square miles, so there's a lot of ground to cover," said Michel Teate, Polk County's Roads and Drainage Manager. "We urge residents to have Hurricane debris curbside, by Dec. 1. Otherwise, debris may not be picked up."

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Fallen trees created large amounts of debris in some Polk neighborhoods, but the cleanup is largely reduced to removing the debris piles from area streets and road shoulders. Residents are encouraged to have all debris stacked as soon as possible so it can be readily removed when crews arrive.

County residents must have Hurricane debris separated into categories and placed curbside no later than Sunday, Dec. 1. Residents should separate debris into the following categories: Vegetative debris, construction and demolition, appliances and white goods, electronics and household hazardous waste.

The county's Hurricane debris haulers, Ashbritt, LLC., have collected more than 384,560 total cubic yards of debris from Hurricane Milton, and much more remains to be removed.

Residents may continue utilizing drop-off sites through Dec. 1; after that they will close. Additionally, the North Central Transfer Station will no longer accept hurricane-related debris at no cost after close of business on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12:30 p.m. For locations and hours please visit: http://www.polk-county.net/news/hurricane-milton-debris-pickup-and-dropoff-options/.

"I know residents are anxious to have their debris removed, but there are still parts of the county that Hurricane Milton left inaccessible." said John Bohde, Deputy County Manager.

Residents are reminded that the hauling equipment that picks up the debris cannot navigate under overhead power lines, low-hanging tree branches or piles that are too close to mailboxes, tree trunks, fences or other permanent objects. If cars are parked in front of Hurricane debris, haulers cannot collect your debris pile.

"We set an ambitious goal to have debris removal completed by November, and the reality is, it is looking more like December," said Bohde. "As haulers continue collecting debris throughout the county, we ask for your patience. Please know that your Hurricane debris will be collected."

The Polk County Hurricane Milton Debris Removal Dashboard provides updated information about where crews are working in the county: https://tt-emi.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/ac42fa5c4bfb475d966d19dbf575bf2f. In early December, the dashboard will transition and allow residents to see the areas where debris collection has been completed.

For those who are seeking financial assistance with storm damage, ehe Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Polk County is now open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. Survivors do not need to visit the center at the UF/IFAS Extension Office-W.H. Stuart Center, 1710 US-17 S, in Bartow to apply for assistance. Assistance is also available by phone at (800) 621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages.