Hurricane Ike Recovery Press Release – Debris Removal

Galveston, Texas

September 21, 2008

City officials are rolling out debris removal guidelines in anticipation of the island-wide re-entry scheduled for 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 24^th. Residents who weathered Ike’s ravages at home, contractors already on the job, and business owners busy cleaning have left mounting stacks of debris piled high on city streets. In order to expedite the clean up and recovery process, the city and its debris management contractors are asking for the full support of all Galvestonians. 

Please use the following guidelines when cleaning out your home or business:

• Everything must be brought out to the curb. Do NOT put materials in the alley. Please note, debris removal crews CANNOT come on to private property to collect debris. 
• Do NOT put materials in the street where piles could impede and endanger the flow of traffic. Put all materials in the public right-of-way.
• In order to avoid possible damage, do NOT stack debris on or adjacent to water meters, fire hydrants, power or cable boxes, mail boxes, or city garbage carts.
• City contractors will be making multiple pick ups so there will be ample opportunity to collect all of your storm debris. You do not need to haul your debris away yourself.
• Only storm generated debris will be collected. Land clearing and/or reconstruction debris will NOT be collected.
• You must sort your storm related debris into separate piles for each of the following categories:

·        Green Debris (tree limbs, branches, logs, etc.) – please bundle!

·        Construction and Demolition Debris (carpet, padding, insulation, furniture, wood fencing, sheetrock, flooring, etc.)

·        Household Hazardous Waste (paints, solvents, chemicals, cleaners, television sets, gas, fuel, etc.)

·        White Goods (refrigerators, stoves, large appliances, etc.)

• In order to avoid contaminating other debris streams it is VERY IMPORTANT that household hazardous waste be kept separate from regular household garbage and storm debris.
• You can continue to use your green city garbage cart for regular household trash.
• Do NOT move sand. Sand will be collected, sifted, and returned to beach areas.
• FOOD WASTE:

·        Leave spoiled food in your refrigerator. 

·        Wrap duck tape around the refrigerator and tightly seal it. 

·        Place refrigerator on curb with other white goods.

·        If you have already removed spoiled food items, place them in two to three trash bags, tie the bags closed, and place in green city garbage carts.

Supplies You May Need to Use for Debris Removal on Your Property:

Health officials recommend the public receive Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B immunizations before undertaking debris removal activities.

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