City of Gainesville Public Works storm debris removal update

Press release from City of Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Collection of yard debris left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton is proceeding on schedule in the City of Gainesville. Approximately 40,000 cubic yards of storm debris have been collected to date. The first pass is scheduled for completion this week, and a second pass for all streets is expected to be completed next week.

As special operations wrap up, residential curbside customers should return to following the standard guidelines for yard waste collection services.

Please follow these guidelines when setting out new yard waste materials for collection:

• Loose Material: All loose items like dried leaves, small limbs, and twigs must be placed in brown paper lawn & leaf bags or personal reusable yard waste containers. Each bag or container should weigh no more than 40 pounds. Containers or piles over this weight limit and loose piles of debris will not be collected.
• Larger Branches: You may set larger branches at the curb in piles not exceeding two cubic yards. Branches can be no longer than 5 feet in length, no larger than 8 inches in diameter, and weigh no more than 40 pounds per piece.
• Clearance: Ensure at least 4 feet of clearance between your yard waste and obstacles such as garbage carts, recycle bins, or posts.
• Yard Waste Only: Yard waste piles, bags, and containers must be free of garbage, litter, and non-regulated items. Do not place lumber, boards, or manufactured materials with yard waste for collection.
• Note: Debris generated from work performed by tree service contractors (i.e., tree surgeons or landscapers) must be hauled off by the contractor per City of Gainesville Ordinance Sec. 27-73 (11).

From November 18 to December 18, residential curbside customers with hurricane-related large debris that doesn’t meet the standard collection guidelines may request assistance from the city’s Public Works Department, Solid Waste Division at 352-334-2330 or waste@gainesvillefl.gov once materials have been placed curbside.

Commercial property owners (businesses, apartment properties, churches, etc.) are responsible for making their own arrangements to remove storm debris. These costs may be eligible for FEMA reimbursement assistance. For more information, visit www.FEMA.gov.

Thank you for helping keep our community clean and organized. For more information, visit gainesvillefl.gov/CurbsideCollection.