Asheville Community Unites for Hurricane Helene Cleanup Efforts

Asheville Residents Tackle Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath

Asheville, N.C. – The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left its mark on Buncombe County, with an astounding 10 million cubic yards of debris scattered throughout the area. For many residents, this means unsightly piles accumulating in their yards, creating a daunting cleanup challenge. There’s no need to panic, though, as city crews are hard at work, with 44 trucks rolling around the area as of December 11, picking up debris.

A Slow but Steady Recovery

Despite the significant number of crews mobilized for the cleanup efforts, local leaders are emphasizing that this will be a marathon, not a sprint. Stacey Wood, the Buncombe County Communications Manager, has shared that the process is divided into two distinct cleanup methods: right-of-way debris removal and private property debris removal.

For residents looking to dispose of debris, Wood recommends placing it within 10 feet of the right of way. It’s important to segregate the debris into categories such as large appliances, construction materials, hazardous waste, and electronics. This organization will help expedite the removal process and make it easier for crews.

Safety Precautions

One of the pressing challenges is ensuring that debris is not placed too close to low-hanging power lines, which can complicate the pickup operations. Wood reassured residents that there’s no need for a mad dash to clear all debris at once, stating, “Crews are out collecting debris and will be coming back around.” Best of all, this service is completely free and no advance sign-up is necessary!

Debris Collection Update

As of December 9, an impressive 465,121 cubic yards of debris have already been collected across Buncombe County, including in Black Mountain and the City of Asheville. If residents find it difficult to manage the cleanup themselves, there’s a backup option. They can sign up for private property debris removal via the Buncombe County Government Hurricane Helene information website. For those who prefer to apply in person, application centers are available at the Asheville Mall, Barnardsville Fire Department, Swannanoa Fire and Rescue, and the Fairview Library.

Keep in mind that for private property cleanup, residents will need to sign a right of entry form to allow cleanup crews onto their property.

Community Concerns

On December 11, News 13 spoke to residents who expressed frustration over the uncertainty surrounding the pickup schedule. During a briefing, questions about the timeline for debris collection were directed to Wood. She could not provide a precise timeline for right-of-way pickup, but estimates indicate that the first pass might complete by the end of December.

Wood reassured community members that there would be as many passes as needed until all debris is collected. “We are hearing from folks who want to report hotspots where we might focus some effort that maybe we’ve missed or have not been able to get to for whatever reason,” she noted, indicating that efforts are in place to target areas of concern.

Stay Informed

Residents looking for additional information on either debris removal program can reach out by calling the One Buncombe hotline at 828-250-6100 or visit the Asheville Recovers Engagement Hub. This hub will be instrumental in providing updates on recovery progress and answering residents’ questions.

As the community rallies together to tackle the cleanup, patience and cooperation will go a long way. The journey to recovery may be long, but with collective effort, Asheville will rise above the debris left by Hurricane Helene!