As Hillsborough County emerges from the winds and wreckage left by Hurricane Debby, normalcy is being restored in aspects as crucial as refuse collection. In a move signaling the return of regular municipal services, the county has announced it will resume its standard trash, recycling, and yard waste pickup schedules. Residents should visit the County's website for specific details on their designated collection days, as well as locations for community collection centers that can accommodate bulkier items.
In a statement by the County, the outlined procedure is clear: carts for garbage, recycling, or yard waste need to grace the curbs no sooner than 6 p.m. the eve before designated collection, and certainly not tardier than 6 a.m. on the day itself. These directives, ensuring the smooth flow of cleanup efforts, are integral to the ongoing recovery, particularly for those still sifting through the detritus of Debby's temper.
It is important to follow the County's guidelines for disposing of yard and wood waste. These include sticking strictly to the yard waste limit of two cubic yards or less per week and ensuring that all waste is containerized or bagged, each weighing no more than 50 pounds. Limbs and branches must measure under 4 feet in length and 6 inches in diameter, and ideally, they should be bundled or neatly stacked.
Residential property owners, some wading through substantial amounts of storm debris, are encouraged to lean on the County's support. They should complete the Hurricane Debby Post-Storm Assessment to aid in debris management. Once filed, a county department will reach out within a period of 72 hours, assessing requests on a unique, case-dependent basis. Larger cleanup operations may necessitate a homeowner's visit to a county yard waste site or perhaps a partnership with a tree service firm.
For those residents daunted by the online process or navigating the aftermath of Debby, Hillsborough County extends a lifeline through the Customer Service and Support Line. Available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (813) 272-5900 (selecting Option 9).
