Volusia County Provides Preparation Guidelines for Upcoming Mass Debris Removal Following Milton

Posted On: October 12, 2024

Volusia County is committed to working with our debris haulers to conduct the fastest and most efficient Hurricane Milton debris removal program possible. The County has opened the Tomoka Landfill, 1990 Tomoka Farms Road in Port Orange from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the West Volusia Transfer Station, 3151 E. New York Ave. in DeLand from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. both today, Oct. 12, and tomorrow, Oct. 13. Additionally, Volusia County is coordinating a mass debris removal operation for households in unincorporated areas, as well as those along County-maintained roads, which will begin on Friday, Oct. 18.

In preparation, residents who reside in unincorporated areas and those on County-maintained roads should bring storm debris to the public right of way, the area that extends from the street to the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole, or easement. Residents should not place debris on the road as it obstructs traffic, hinders cleanup and power restoration efforts, and makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to pass. Keep debris away from drainage ditches, inlets, mailboxes, and power lines if possible. Do not cover storm drains, and never block fire hydrants.

The debris should be separated into separate piles for vegetative debris(leaves, branches, and cut trees), construction and demolition debris(building materials, carpet, furniture, fences, drywall), and appliances and white goods(refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, stoves). Do not place vegetative debris in plastic yard waste bags.The storm debris removal contractor will leave bagged debris for weekly residential yard waste collection since the storm debris contractor cannot dispose of plastic bags. Normal collection rules will apply to those with a small amount of yard debris. Mixed debris piles, electronics, and household hazardous waste will not be collected. Residents can dispose of them free of charge at the Tomoka Landfill or West Volusia Transfer Station.

Individuals who hire a contractor to handle large tree debris or household damage must make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. Contractors are required to take all debris to the Tomoka Landfill in Port Orange at 1990 Tomoka Farms Road or the West Volusia Transfer Station in DeLand at 3151 E. New York Ave. Contractors are also legally required to dispose of debris properly; they cannot place it in the right of way. A toll-free hotline will be established and soon announced for unincorporated residents to call with storm debris questions. Households within incorporated limits should contact their city government regarding mass debris removal.