HOUSTON – The city’s solid waste department is in line with its three months estimate for removing storm debris from the May 16 derecho storm that hit parts of Houston.
“We expect to be complete with the 1st pass in about 2.5 weeks, weather permitting,” the city’s solid waste spokesperson said. “The 3-month estimate will include all three debris removal passes, disposal, and returning these temporary debris staging and reduction sites back to normal.”
The timeline isn’t ideal for Timbergrove Manor homeowner, Josie Haley.
“It’s not doable for me, no,” Haley said. “That would be very frustrating for sure. Three months of this? This giant wall, I can’t see out into the street or see my neighbors or park our cars in the street. It’s a real issue.”
Nearly every home on Grovewood Lane has a pile of trash in front of their home. Haley and others have called 3-1-1, as the city recommends, in hopes it gets someone’s attention.
“There have been some streets that have been cleared but I don’t know why our street hasn’t been picked up,” Haley said.
HOUSTON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Q&A
Is there a delay for May storm debris pickup?
We are right on schedule with our estimated 3-month storm debris cleanup operation. We expect to be complete with the 1st pass in about 2.5 weeks, weather permitting. The 3-month estimate will include all three debris removal passes, disposal, and returning these temporary debris staging and reduction sites back to normal.
Does staffing play a role at all?
We have 120 various contractor trucks out to help in the recovery efforts. They are out collecting storm debris seven days a week thus allowing us to increase coverage to speed up the recovery process.
When can homeowners expect to have debris picked up?
We are coming! We encourage all homeowners to report their debris piles to 3-1-1. If their streets have already been cleared, their debris will get collected during the second pass.
Difference between debris and trash.
“Trash” fits into one of six categories:
- normal household trash
- vegetative debris
- construction and demolition debris
- appliances
- electronics
- household hazardous waste
The May derecho storm was unique in that the storm debris it generated was primarily vegetative debris but that is not always the case. Storm debris can include any items damaged or destroyed by a storm and brought to the curb for collection.