Hurricane Helene Debris Pickup Is Underway In The CSRA
Hurricane Helene debris pickup is going to take a long time. That’s a given in light of the devastating damage done to the CSRA by Hurricane Helene. Downed trees, tree…
Hurricane Helene Debris Removal
CERES Environmental ServicesHurricane Helene debris pickup is going to take a long time. That's a given in light of the devastating damage done to the CSRA by Hurricane Helene.
Downed trees, tree trunks and limbs are being hauled to curbs, waiting to be picked up and hauled away as the recovery process continues.
CERES, the contractor providing the debris removal service for Columbia and Richmond Counties, has started collecting all non-bagged yard debris resulting from the hurricane that has been placed on the city and county's right-of-way areas.
Hurricane Helene Debris That will be Picked Up Now
- Branches and limbs
- Trees
- Trunks
There is no requirement for cut length. Keep in mind that debris that has been bagged will not be picked up by CERES, but will be by your normal garbage pick-up.
CERES is asking that you not place debris near utility poles, under low-hanging utility lines, on water meters, or on mailboxes. Make sure you leave room for trash cans for regular garbage pickup
Things You Need to Know
- CERES will not go onto private property to remove debris
- Any trees that have fallen from private property into the city right-of-way that have not been moved completely to the right-of-way, will be cut by the contractor at the right-of-way line and the remaining portions will be left for the property owner to place in the right-of-way for the next pass.
- No construction or demolition debris will be picked up during this first stage. Only vegetative debris will be collected now
- CERES is addressing the hardest hit areas first for pickups, where roadways have been impacted and underground infrastructure such as water lines and fire hydrants have been damaged
- The goal is to complete the removal of all debris within the 90-day window planned
- Once all vegetative debris has been collected, guidance for other types of debris will be announced.
- An announcement will be made at least five days prior to the beginning of CERES "final pass" to collect debris. Once that has been made on your street, the contractor will not return to your area.
Debris Removal in Aiken County
Debris removal crews have already started working in Aiken County. Emergency Management Agency officials say there are some important things residents need to know.
- Vegetative debris should be left loose for pickup and not bagged
- Do not place debris in the roadway, keep roadways clear and do not impede traffic
- If you see crews working, slow down and give them room to work
- Clean up efforts, especially in the hardest hit areas, will take some time
- Only vegetative debris should be placed curbside
