Debris from Helene covers Tampa Bay. Here’s how to get rid of it

Days after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc around Tampa Bay, the water is gone but mounds of debris remain strewn across neighborhoods. Palm fronds and branches scatter roadways. Sun loungers lie mangled in heaps, jumbled curbside with mailboxes and muddied mattresses.

Cleanups are underway.

Before you dispose of storm debris from your home, be sure to document your flood damage. And remember: don't stack debris beside trees, fire hydrants, utility boxes or other structures that make removal difficult.

Here's more information, broken down by location.

Storm debris collection starts Monday.

Residents ready for collection can request service by calling the Solid Waste Call Center at (813) 274-8811.

Call-in requests will not be required for pickup starting Oct. 7. That's because crews will then be canvassing city neighborhoods to collect debris from the curb.

"Our top priority is ensuring that Tampa's families and neighborhoods recover swiftly and safely," Mayor Jane Castor said in a statement Sunday morning. "We're working hard to clean up the debris and help our community get back to normal as soon as possible."

City officials are asking residents to place household and construction debris separately from vegetative debris, such as branches, leaves and logs. Keep items at least three feet away from any obstructions.

Vegetation should be placed in a pile, a non-city-issued container or yard waste paper bags.

The McKay Bay Transfer Station, where city residents can dispose of accepted items at no additional charge, is also extending its operating hours to the following:

Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Yard waste collection services are currently suspended and will resume upon the completion of post-storm debris collection efforts.

St. Petersburg Residents should expect debris to be collected no sooner than Oct. 7, according to city officials.

For the fastest collection of vegetative debris — such as branches, leaves and logs — place it in your city trash bin with the lid closed. Alternatively, you can drop off at one of these sites: www.stpete.org/BrushSites .

Household trash and recycling should still be placed in the appropriate bins to be collected through the normal pickup schedule.

City officials are reminding residents to separate debris into item groups (vegetative, electronic, appliances and fencing materials) and to not place piles in alleyways or on sidewalks.

Curbside waste collection for trash, recycling and yard waste resumed as normal on Saturday.

Residential property owners who need assistance with large amounts of yard debris are asked to contact the Solid Waste Management Department at 813-272-5680. All requests for assistance will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The Public Works Department will provide more information on Monday to residents on the best way to dispose of the construction and demolition debris generated from Helene.

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