What To Do With Your Tropical Storm Hilary Sandbags In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach residents who stocked up on sandbags in preparation for Tropical Storm Hilary were encouraged to hold onto them for an anticipated wet winter ahead.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southern California is in for a wetter winter rain season than normal. Coupled with the potential for an active El Niño season, it may be in Long Beach residents’ best interests to store used sandbags for reuse.

“I’m proud of our city crews and volunteers who did an amazing job preparing our city for the impacts of the storm. We were ready,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Thank you to the Long Beach community for activating and getting prepared. When the potential of an emergency is upon us, it’s great to be part of a community that is prepared to step up to the challenge.”

El Niño conditions began in June, according to the National Weather Service, and forecasters said there is a greater than 95 percent chance of it continuing through December into February.

In Long Beach, about 60,000 sandbags were made available to members of the community, officials said. Used sandbags should be stored in a dry cool place until they are ready to be refilled during the next storm, officials said.

If you’re looking to get rid of sandbags, residents are welcome to return them to the place they picked them up. Before dropping off used sandbags, officials encouraged residents to check with the city to see if they are recycling them.