Final Storm Debris Collection Starts Monday In Sarasota: City

SARASOTA, FL — With nearly 90 percent of vegetative storm debris from Hurricane Ian picked up from Sarasota homes, the final citywide collection will start Monday.

Residents are asked to put all storm-related debris at the curb that morning as the final pick-up begins, the city said in a news release.

“The federal government set a deadline for storm debris collection to be finished for municipalities to qualify for 100 (percent) reimbursement,” Public Works Director Doug Jeffcoat said. “We estimate debris pickup will cost the city approximately $5 million, so we are highly motivated to recoup as much as possible. Residents can help by placing their remaining storm debris at their curb by November 7 when the final residential pickup operations begin.”

Since Oct. 5 – days after the storm battered Southwest Florida - the city’s debris hauler, Ceres Environmental Services, Inc., has collected 3,200 loads, totaling nearly 91,000 cubic yards, the city said.

Storm debris must be placed in separate piles for pickup:

• vegetative, piled
• vegetative, bagged or in a container
• construction and demolition materials (including all fencing, roofing and gutters)
• household items such as appliances, furniture and electronics

The city offers the following instructions for residents:

• Place storm debris at least five feet from mailboxes, water meters, street signs, light poles, fire hydrants or ornamental structures.
• Avoid placing debris in the street or on top of storm drains.
• Don’t mix regular yard waste with vegetative storm debris, such as branches and tree trunks. Recent yard waste should be properly prepared in a container or bag and placed curbside for regular yard waste pickup.

Residents with storm damaged household items, including appliances, furniture and electronics, should contact the Solid Waste Division to schedule a bulk waste pickup at 941-263-6170.

Commercial property owners, including residential apartment complexes, should contact their property insurance carrier about storm debris pickup, the city said.

The city’s Storm Debris Hotline can be reached Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 941-584-9533.

An interactive map shows residents their collection zone and status.