Important message for coastal residents from Volusia County: Storm Debris

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News 

As storm clean-up and repairs begin following Hurricane Ian’s destruction, officials with Volusia County want to remind residents in coastal communities about storm debris.

According to a release, piles of storm debris should be in the public right of way, the area that extends from the street to the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole, or easement for collection, and not on the beach since Volusia County will not collect it. Any debris on the beach causes environmental and safety concerns, obstructs traffic, hinders clean-up efforts, and makes it difficult for emergency and contractor vehicles to pass. Debris that washes ashore west of the toe of a dune or west of a previously existing seawall is the responsibility of the private property owner.

Volusia County will not collect debris from damaged seawalls, dune walkovers, or other private structures. The associated private property owners are responsible for the demolition, repair, and legal disposal of the debris from the damaged structure.

Individuals may hire a contractor to dispose of large debris and household and seawall damage. However, it is up to the property owner to endure that the contractor is licensed, insured, and knows they are required to take all debris to the Tomoka Landfill in Port Orange at 1990 Tomoka Farms Road or the West Volusia Transfer Station in DeLand at 3151 E. New York Avenue. Florida law requires contractors to dispose of debris properly and not in the right of way or on the beach.

Debris must be separated into piles for vegetative (leaves, branches, and cut trees), construction and demolition (building materials, carpet, furniture, fences, drywall), and appliances and white goods (refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, stoves). Do not place vegetative debris in plastic yard waste bags, as debris piles that are mixed will not be collected.

The storm debris removal contractor will not pick up bagged debris for weekly residential yard waste collection, being plastic bags cannot be disposed of by the storm debris contractor. For a small amount of yard debris, regular collection rules will apply. 

Unincorporated residents with storm debris questions can call 800-291-1205 24 hours a day, seven days a week.