Polk County will continue hurricane-related debris removal into the new year with anticipated completion dates coinciding with the recent FEMA extension into February.
Deputy County Manager John Bohde said county officials are hoping for final removal runs to be completed by mid-February, the county said in a news release.
Why is it taking so long?
“We have crews working seven days a week,” Bohde said in the release. “Daylight Savings Time has somewhat cut into the daily, visible, safe operating conditions for contracted haulers. I understand residents are frustrated, but we are working to get the debris removed as quickly as possible.”
Destruction in other Florida counties and states hit hard by Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused a shortage of hauling equipment and haulers, the release said. Co-mingled debris is also causing a delay for haulers.
What residents can do to help
Residents are asked to separate the debris into these categories: vegetative Debris (unbagged leaves, logs, plants, and tree branches); construction and demolition debris (building materials, carpet, drywall, furniture, lumber, mattress, plumbing, etc.); appliances and white goods (A/C units, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, etc.); electronics (televisions, computers, etc.); and household hazardous waste (cleaning supplies, batteries, paints, pesticides, etc.).
If vegetative debris is co-mingled with fencing, construction materials and household items, it will not be picked up until haulers make their final pass through the county, the release said. Leaves, moss and small twigs must be bagged for collection.
What if I don’t want to wait?
Residents may take debris to the North Central Transfer Station. There is a fee for the drop off.
More questions?
Residents may contact the Hurricane Milton Debris Hotline at 833-843-1920. The hotline is active from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on X @garywhite13.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk County extends hurricane debris collection into February