Published: November 14, 2024
Bartow, Fla. (Nov. 14, 2024) — As of today, hurricane debris haulers, Ashbritt, LLC., have collected 384,560 total cubic yards of debris from Hurricane Milton.
“Polk County spans more than 2,000 square miles, so there’s a lot of ground to cover,” said Michael Teate, Polk County’s Roads and Drainage Manager. “We urge residents to have hurricane debris curbside, by Dec. 1. Otherwise, debris may not be picked up.”
Polk County residents must have hurricane debris separated into categories and placed curbside no later than Sunday, Dec. 1. Residents should separate debris into the following categories: Vegetative debris, construction and demolition, appliances and white goods, electronics and household hazardous waste.
Residents may continue utilizing drop-off sites through Dec. 1; after that they will close. Additionally, the North Central Transfer Station will no longer accept hurricane-related debris at no cost after close of business on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12:30 p.m. For locations and hours please visit: www.polk-county.net/news/hurricane-milton-debris-pickup-and-dropoff-options/.
“I know residents are anxious to have their debris removed, but there are still parts of the county that Hurricane Milton left inaccessible.” said John Bohde, Deputy County Manager.
Residents are reminded that the hauling equipment that picks up the debris cannot navigate under overhead power lines, low-hanging tree branches or piles that are too close to mailboxes, tree trunks, fences or other permanent objects. If cars are parked in front of hurricane debris, haulers cannot collect your debris pile.
“We set an ambitious goal to have debris removal completed by November, and the reality is, it is looking more like December,” said Bohde. “As haulers continue collecting debris throughout the county, we ask for your patience. Please know that your hurricane debris will be collected.”
The Polk County Hurricane Milton Debris Removal Dashboard provides updated information about where crews are working in the county: https://tt-emi.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/ac42fa5c4bfb475d966d19dbf575bf2f. In early December, the dashboard will transition and allow residents to see the areas where debris collection has been completed.