Pinellas: Illegal Dumping Slowing Hurricane Irma Cleanup

CLEARWATER, FL – While cleaning up the county’s storm debris after Hurricane Irma already is a difficult task, representatives from Pinellas County Public Works said illegal debris dumping is slowing down their job.

Pinellas County Public Works is asking for residents’ help in reporting illegal debris dumping. It is a third-degree felony for tree trimming or other hired companies to dump on the right-of-way or vacant lots instead for taking debris to a yard waste facility.

The department is asking for residents who see hired companies dumping debris in their neighborhood, or the dumping of other unauthorized waste, to e-mail details to watershed@pinellascounty.org. Images can be sent to this e-mail address if available.

Pinellas County also reminded its residents the county’s debris collection is for Hurricane Irma-related debris in the county’s unincorporated areas. Household waste or large items should be collected by garbage haulers in accordance with their normal operating policies.

According to Pinellas County, crews are working seven days a week to clear debris and are active in nearly all zones. The first pass to collect vegetation debris is expected to be completed mostly by the end of the month. A second pass will follow, which will include construction and demolition debris pickup.

If residents are unable to bring debris to the closest public right-of-way, Pinellas County asked them to call Pinellas County Public Works at (727) 464-8900 for other arrangements.

Municipal residents within Pinellas County are asked to contact their municipality about debris pickup in their area. Residents uncertain if their property is located in a municipality or unincorporated Pinellas can visit www.pinellascounty.org/resident/unincorporated_areas.htm.

For more information, contact Pinellas County Public Works at (727) 464-8900 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/publicworks.

Caption: Official debris pickup in Pinellas County, pictured here, is being hampered by illegal dumping.

Image via Pinellas County Government Facebook page