Storm-Related Debris

Before Hurricane Season

Prevent storm debris by preparing your property for hurricane season (June 1 – Nov. 30). You can help reduce a storm’s impact by cutting back trees and vegetation that may affect power lines or other areas that could damage your home and property.

Prepare Your Property
  • Cut back all trees and weak branches that make contact with your home.
  • Thin foliage so wind can flow freely through branches, decreasing the chance that trees/plants will be uprooted.
  • Clear yard of any items, such as broken furniture, lumber and old toys, that could become missiles in a storm.
  • If you have trees trimmed or pulled by a contractor or landscaper, be sure to have them remove the debris.
  • Please do not trim vegetation just before a storm as it will not be collected until after the storm.

 

Once Storm Approaches

  • DO NOT cut down trees or do major yard work.
  • DO NOT begin construction projects that produce debris.
  • DO NOT trim vegetation of any kind once a watch or warning has been issued. Mass cutting places a tremendous burden on the collection process.
  • DO NOT place household garbage, trash, vegetation or other items on the curb for pickup. Loose debris on the curb could pose a threat during and after a storm. All curbside waste services will cease (up to 48 hours before storm landfall) due to safety issues.

After a Storm

If a storm impacts the City of Bradenton and the Debris Management Plan is activated, specialized collection schedules will be in place. Follow these guidelines to ensure efficient cleanup:

Not storm-related: Regular household trash or recycling, yard trimmings or grass clippings from routine maintenance, or items placed out for disposal before a storm are not considered storm-related debris and will not be collected by the City or a contractor if a Debris Management Plan is activated.

 

To ensure debris removal is conducted efficiently and safely, the City of Bradenton requests that residents follow these guidelines:

  • Place your debris curbside as soon as possible.
  • Priority will be given to areas with the most concentrated and unsafe debris.
  • Separate debris into specific categories for proper disposal:

o   Vegetative debris (trees, branches, limbs and other leafy material)

o   Construction materials (wood, fencing, drywall, glass, metal, roofing materials, tile, furnishings, fixtures, etc.)

o   Appliances (refrigerators, ovens, freezers, air conditioners, washers, dryers, etc.) 

Important Notes:
  • Hazardous waste (e.g., paint cans, pesticides, motor oil, batteries) will not be collected.
  • Do not place storm-related vegetative debris in trash bags or cans. Vegetative debris should be placed directly at the curb, between the back of the sidewalk and the street curb.
  • The City will not enter private property to collect debris.