In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Hilary, San Diego County residents had successfully prepared their homes using over 100,000 sandbags, according to FOX 5 San Diego. Now that the storm has passed many are left wondering what to do with these temporary barriers in a more permanent sense.
The County's Department of Public Works has stepped in to quell concerns and offer guidance. The experts at the department provided a variety of options for handling used sandbags, which range from repurposing to disposing of them properly after a storm.
Among the suggestions offered by these experts, they encouraged residents to store sandbags for reuse during the upcoming rainy season—either by emptying clean sand and storing the empty bags away from sunlight or by storing filled bags in a covered, above-ground location. Additionally, residents have the opportunity to repurpose sandbags that have remained uncontaminated by foul water, chemicals, or petroleum products, by raking the sand into soil, adding it to planters, or utilizing it for flowerbeds as a soil amendment.
For those unable to reuse or repurpose their sandbags, proper disposal options do exist. Empty sandbags should be placed in trash cans and not recycle bins, and residents should not put full sandbags in trash carts, bins, or dumpsters, as they are too heavy for disposal companies to collect. A better alternative is taking them directly to local landfills that can accept sandbags used for stormwater control during the recent storm. These landfills include Miramar, Sycamore, Otay, and Borrego Springs.
But what about sandbags that have become contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or petroleum products? These require a more careful approach—one that involves using protective gear, such as gloves and protective eyewear, to handle them. Residents must dispose of these bags at select landfills or through a hazardous waste contractor, and landfill facilities should be contacted in advance as additional handling and paperwork will be required. Unincorporated county residents who have concerns or questions on the matter can reach out to 1-877-R-1-EARTH or 1-877-713-2784 for assistance.
Residents of cities or tribal lands should also consult their jurisdiction or trash contractor for guidance on appropriately handling used sandbags. In order to stay informed on the latest emergency updates in English and Spanish, San Diego County recommends signing up for alerts at AlertSanDiego.org and downloading the SD Emergency app, where preparedness tips for the community can be found.
