Contact: Tom Mather (919) 715-7408
September 29, 1999
Proper Disposal of Storm Debris
RALEIGH -- Citizens affected by Hurricane Floyd should use proper methods for disposing of storm and flood debris, while taking care to sort -- but not burn -- these materials, state environmental officials said today.
State, federal and local agencies will pick up storm and flood debris that are piled up on the rights-of-way along public roads. Debris should be separated into separate piles for vegetation (trees, branches, limbs); household trash (garbage, paper, food, etc.); household hazardous wastes (paints, cleaners, pesticides, solvents, oil, etc.); white goods (stoves, refrigerators, appliances); and other materials (trash, building matter, carpets, furniture, etc.).
"Burning storm and flood debris will create air pollution that will only add to the health problems and inconveniences caused by Hurricane Floyd," said Alan Klimek, director of the state Division of Air Quality. "Public agencies are making provisions to pick up these materials so they can be disposed of properly."
Debris picked up by government agencies or contractors will be taken to approved landfills or disposal sites. Citizens should call their local solid waste management office for more information on disposing of debris. The state is coordinating with affected counties to set up household hazardous waste collection sites where citizens can take these materials; locations of these collection points will be announced soon.
The state Open Burning Rule prohibits most outdoor burning. Citizens can burn leaves and branches if it is allowed under local ordinances, no public pickup is available and it doesn't cause a public nuisance. People also are allowed to burn vegetative debris from storm damage if no pickup is available, but they may need permits from the state Division of Forest Resources. Do not burn the following materials:
- Garbage, paper and cardboard;
- Tires and other rubber products;
- Building materials, including lumber;
- Wire, plastics and synthetic materials;
- Asphalt shingles and heavy oils;
- Paints, and household and agricultural chemicals.
More information about disposing of storm debris can be seen at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources= web site, /. More information about hurricane response efforts can be seen at the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) web site, http://www.sips.state.nc.us/hurricane/hurricane.htm.
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