Largo To Begin Collecting Hurricane Irma Debris

LARGO, FL – Like many of its surrounding Pinellas County communities, the City of Largo has asked its residents to prepare for debris collection after Hurricane Irma passed through on Sunday, Sept. 10.

The City of Largo advised its residents to place storm-generated debris on the public right-of way for collection. Storm debris collection will begin Monday, Sept. 18 and will be collected by outside contractors.

Largo has asked its residents to use the following FEMA guidelines for their storm debris:

• Normal household trash: Regular household trash and bagged debris of any kind will not be picked up with storm debris. Residential and commercial garbage pickup is back on its regular schedule within the city limits.
• Vegetative: Leaves (do not bag), logs, plants, tree branches
• Construction and demolition: Building materials, carpet, drywall, furniture, lumber mattresses, plumbing
• Appliances and white goods: Air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, water heaters
• Electronics: Computers, radios, stereos, televisions, other devices with a cord
• Household hazardous waste: Cleaning supplies, batteries, lawn chemicals, oils, oil-based paints and stains, pesticides

Debris should be placed on the curbside without blocking the roadway or storm drains. If there is not a sidewalk, ditch or utility line in front of a property, place debris at the edge of the property before the curb. Debris placed from the sidewalk toward the property building will not be picked up.

DRC Emergency Services, the City of Dunedin’s debris removal contractor, is seeking help from local contractors to assist with debris collection. Interested contractors are asked to contact Sam Dancer at DRC Emergency Services at (251) 232-3660. Contractors should not call the City of Largo directly.

However, the city is looking for Largo businesses that can assist in meeting the needs of the community. Business representatives can call (727) 586-7360 or e-mail ecodev@largo.com for more information.

City of Largo Recycling

The City of Largo also reported they are unable to receive material at its recycling processing facility become of a power outage at the plant. The city is diverting its recyclable material to the Pinellas County Waste-to-Energy Facility to generate power for the area. Regular recycling collection and processing will resume when power is restored to the facility.

Repairs and Permitting

The City of Largo will waive tree removal and residential fence repair permits only for damage caused by Hurricane Irma. City staff cannot enter private property to assist with tree removal.

Commercial fence repair may need a permit and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Both commercial and residential “total” fence replacement will require a permit.

Businesses within the Largo city limits that sustained storm damaged can report it to the Largo Business & Industry Assessment team at (727) 586-7360. The Business Division can issue repair permits in the field when possible.

Facilities and Events Schedule Changes

• Largo City Hall, the Largo Public Library and Recreation facilities, including the Largo Municipal Golf Course, are now open.
• Pinellas County Schools are scheduled to reopen on Monday, Sept. 18.
• The Neighborhood Cleanup scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23 has been cancelled.
• For more information about post-storm information, visit www.largo.com/irma.

Image via City of Largo Recreation, Parks & Arts Facebook page