News Summary
Asheville is urging residents to prepare for the final debris collection following Hurricane Helene. The deadline for placing debris in the right-of-way is March 1, with contractors wrapping up collection by April 1. Residents must sort their debris properly and utilize available assistance programs. After the final sweep, no further collections will occur, emphasizing the importance of timely action to avoid leaving debris behind. Community leaders are encouraging collaboration as the city aims to restore normalcy post-hurricane.
Asheville Residents Urged to Prepare for Final Debris Collection After Hurricane Helene
Attention, Asheville!
The city is in the midst of a massive effort to clean up after the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and there’s important news for all residents. The deadline for placing storm debris in the right-of-way is fast approaching — mark your calendars for Saturday, March 1. After this date, contractors will make their final sweep to collect any remaining debris, wrapping up the cleanup by Tuesday, April 1.
Don’t Let Your Debris Be Left Behind!
After the final sweep, no more debris collection will take place, so it’s crucial that you take action before it’s too late. Luckily, there are still options available for debris removal through the Personal Property Debris Removal program and in local waterways. This means that even if you miss the deadline, there are still avenues to get help.
Sorting Matters!
Residents are encouraged to sort their debris into specific categories as outlined by the City of Asheville. Remember, try not to bag your debris unless absolutely necessary! If you must bag it, using only clear or transparent bags is the way to go. Sorting everything makes it easier for contractors to pick it up and speed up the entire process.
Just How Much Debris Are We Talking About?
Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across our area, leaving behind an astonishing three million cubic yards of storm debris within Asheville city limits. As of February 13, 2025, contractors have collected around 385,113 cubic yards of debris – that’s about 12.8% of the total storm debris. There’s still a long way to go.
Need Help with Your Property?
If you’re looking for some assistance, you’re in luck! Almost 1,100 residents have already applied for Buncombe County’s program dedicated to helping remove debris from private properties. The application process is simple and free, involving a quick application, a county review, followed by an in-person inspection and finally, the debris removal itself.
Inquiries and Calls Pouring In
The county has been receiving around 100 calls daily from residents inquiring about debris removal. So many people are eager to get back to normal life after the storm caused an estimated three million cubic yards of debris still waiting to be cleared in our county! Just for reference, that’s like stacking 140 football fields ten feet high with trash!
Focus On Critical Areas
In the meantime, contractors are focusing their efforts on critical areas like hospitals, schools, and utility companies to ensure that these essential services are up and running smoothly. As you prepare your debris, please ensure that it is separated into public solid waste, yard debris, and building debris for easier pickup at the curbside.
Safety First!
Residents should remember that burning non-vegetative materials and trash is illegal under the Open Burning Rule. Breaking this rule could result in penalties starting from a hefty $25,000. There will also be multiple collection sites available for anyone needing a place to drop off debris.
Water Quality Notice
In the wake of the hurricane, over 1,800 miles of city water pipes were impacted, leading to high chlorine levels in our drinking water. To ensure safety, residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute and use bottled water where possible. Don’t forget to flush your toilets for around 15 minutes to combat any sediment buildup from main breaks!
United We Stand
Community leaders are emphasizing the importance of unity in these times as we navigate long-term recovery efforts post-hurricane. Your cooperation and preparation make a big difference as we work towards restoring Asheville to its former glory.
As a friendly reminder, trash and recycling pickup in Asheville will resume its regular schedule starting Monday, October 14. So, let’s band together, finish this cleanup strong, and move forward in unity!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Buncombe County Continues Recovery Efforts Following Hurricane Helene
Asheville Faces Ongoing Cleanup from Hurricane Helene
Buncombe County Activates Code Purple Amid Cold Snap
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Sets March 1 Deadline for Storm Debris
- ABC11: Hurricane Helene Debris Removal Applications
- Spectrum News: Debris Cleanup in Buncombe County
- Fox Carolina: Spartanburg County Storm Debris Removal Deadline
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene (2023)
