Storm Debris Collection Set To Begin In Sarasota

SARASOTA, FL — Sarasota residents ready to get rid of their Hurricane Irma-related yard trash don’t have much longer to wait. The city announced Friday that collection trucks will start rolling on Monday, Sept. 18.

“Unlike regular yard waste pick up, there will be no specific scheduled days for storm debris collection,” Jan Thornburg, city spokeswoman, wrote in an email to media. “Residents are encouraged to place the material curbside as soon as possible.” (For more hurricane news or local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Sarasota Patch. Click here to find your local Florida Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Watch: Hurricane Irma's Destructive Journey By The Numbers

The city’s typical yard waste rules have been suspended in light of Irma. To make sure debris are picked up, residents need to follow these four rules:

• Make sure vegetative debris are placed at least 3 feet from water meters, mailboxes, street signs, light poles and fire hydrants
• Make sure to avoid placing debris on top of storm drains or within the street
• Do not mix in household waste or bulk waste with storm debris
• Do not bag up vegetative debris or put them in a container

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“Bagged debris will be picked up,” Thornburg said. It may, however, not be picked up right away.

Thornburg reminded residents that storm debris must be placed at the curb, in the public right of way. The city’s removal crews will not go onto private property to pick up tree limbs and other items.

Patch photo of storm debris by Sherri Lonon