City of Gainesville debris removal update

Press release from City of Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The City of Gainesville will provide residential curbside pick-up for vegetative debris left by Hurricane Helene.

Yard waste

Due to the volume of yard waste, this process will require multiple neighborhood sweeps. The Public Works Department will team with disaster debris contractors to assist with collection.

Please adhere to the information below when placing waste curbside: 

• Regular branch weight (40 lbs) and diameter (8 inches) requirements are waived; attempt to limit length of each branch to 5 feet.
• Loose debris (leaves, small twigs and branches) should be placed in brown lawn bags or reusable containers.
• Do not place loose debris in plastic bags or on tarps; vegetative waste will be processed into mulch or composted for re-use.
• Do not block streets, driveways, sidewalks, drainage ditches or storm inlets.
• Do not place yard waste next to mailboxes, utility lines, utility boxes, poles or any other above ground obstructions.
• Work performed by tree service contractors (i.e., tree surgeons or landscapers) should be hauled off by the contractor.

Removing all vegetative debris from Hurricane Helene will take time. Neighbors are asked to be patient as crews progress through the community. More information on scheduling will be available after final debris assessment is completed citywide.

Streets, Trees, and Traffic Signals

The City of Gainesville Public Works Department has worked through the weekend to reopen streets and restore traffic signals affected by Hurricane Helene. The Gainesville Police Department has controlled traffic, allowing crews to clear roadways and GRU teams to restore power.

As of 8 p.m. Saturday:

• A total of 237 traffic lights of the total 249 maintained by the city are functioning.
• The city has received 280 service requests for trees down in the right-of-way, resulting in 200 work orders.
• Most remaining work orders require assistance from a utility to clear hazardous lines or restore power.
• All crews are actively working to restore all services to our neighbors.