Recycle Florida Today (RFT) Offers Tips for After Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton
(Ocala, Florida) — Recycle Florida Today, the state’s premiere recycling organization, offers information on how to stay safe and what to expect from waste and recycling haulers in the wake of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the residents of Florida who were in the paths of two major hurricanes within weeks of each other,” said Heather Armstrong, executive director of RFT. “While it is certainly important to prepare for hurricanes, back-to-back storms made it increasingly challenging for residents, local governments, and service providers to prepare, as many impacted were actively in recovery and clean up mode. Patience will be needed while utilities including garbage and recycling services get back to normal after the storm.”
RFT asks for Florida residents’ patience as recovery efforts are underway and offers the following information for your safety:
- Re-establishing normal household garbage, recycling and food waste collection is a waste hauler’s first priority. Depending on the storm damage, it may take weeks before the first collection of storm debris (vegetation and building material) is provided. Please check with your local collection services and utilities for updates as the storm may have altered normal collection schedules.
- Be careful during clean-up, wear protective clothing (long-sleeves and sturdy shoes) and work in pairs or groups.
- Don’t place any debris near or on a fence, mailbox, power line equipment, poles, transformers, downed electrical wiring, water meters, fire hydrants or storm drains.
- Place storm debris in separate piles at the curb such as yard waste, C&D, Class III, appliances, etc.
- For yard waste, check with your local municipality for if containerized yard waste pickup as it may be picked up quicker than contracted cleanup yard waste.
- Check your local municipality for specific directions and/or if public drop-off locations are available and open in your area.
- Place all household garbage in plastic bags or cans and place curbside on your scheduled day once service resumes or follow new protocols requested by your collection services during the recovery time frame.
- Practice generator safety. If you use a portable generator as back-up power while waiting for your electricity to be restored, use it outside only. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that could kill you, your family and pets.
- Save your phone for emergencies. Phone systems are often down after a disaster and power can be limited. Use text messages or social media to communicate when possible, and only make calls in case of emergency.
- Check with your water utilities on if special requests have been made to lessen the load on local systems.
- Contact local authorities and your electric company if you see power lines down, and don’t go near them.
- Stay out of damaged buildings.
- Be aware of insurance scammers and contact your insurance company for assistance if you have damage.
About Recycle Florida Today:
Recycle Florida Today, Inc. (RFT) is Florida’s state recycling organization and premier association educating recycling and environmental professionals throughout Florida from both the public, private and non-profit sectors. RFT was formed to be a driving force to help Florida professionals implement its recycling goals and objectives. RFT continues to provide educational and networking opportunities about recycling for all Floridians as well as support to local and state elected officials on laws and regulations affecting the recycling industry.
For more information about RFT and how to become a member, visit https://recyclefloridatoday.org/. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom on-line at: https://recyclefloridatoday.org/news/
