Properly removing debris from Charlotte County streets following Hurricane Milton

Author: Camilia Pereira Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:

Hurricane Milton created havoc throughout Florida, impacting several areas, including Charlotte County.

Following Milton and Hurricane Helene, debris has been scattered throughout the area, blanketing the streets with broken items.

The recovery process can be overwhelming and energy-draining; however, there is a proper way to dispose of debris.

Residents typically pile all of their debris together into a giant pile, slowing Charlotte County crews down in properly disposing of the waste.

The county expects residents to sort their debris into six categories before placing it at the front property.

Officials ask residents to follow the classification guidelines below:

  • Construction and demolition materials
    • Non-recyclable building materials (e.g., drywall, asphalt shingles, plastic sinks/tubs, floor tiles, etc.)
    • Non-recyclable building contents and personal items (e.g., carpeting, rugs, furniture, clothing, etc.)
  • Electronic waste
    • Discarded electrical or electronic devices intended for refurbishment, reuse, resale, or recycling through material recovery.
  • Household hazardous waste (Cleaners and batteries)
    • Items such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides must be taken to one of the county’s mini-transfer stations for safe and proper disposal. Both facilities are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
      • West Charlotte: 7070 Environmental Way, Port Charlotte
      • Mid-County: 19765 Kenilworth Blvd., Port Charlotte
  • Large household appliances
    • Includes stoves, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines and dryers. Please ensure refrigerators are free of any food waste when placed curbside.
  • Vegetation
    • Includes trees, limbs, brush and leaves. Please note that crews will not enter private property to collect or remove debris.
  • Regular household garbage
    • Normal household waste, recyclables, and bagged debris will not be collected with storm debris. Please do not attempt to place garbage or other household refuse with storm debris, as it will not be accepted, and will delay your debris collection. Please continue to follow your regular curbside collection schedule.

Those who follow the guidelines will aid in accelerating the clean-up process by Charlotte County crews.

For recovery information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 or visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/storm.

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