Hurricane Matthew debris removal to conclude in St. Johns County

Many St. Augustine residents still in process of recovering

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – St. Johns County would like to thank residents and businesses for their patience and resilience during the Hurricane Matthew storm debris removal program. 

Since beginning Oct. 9, the debris removal program has collected more than 643,000 cubic yards of vegetative, demolition and construction debris, and is now scheduled to be complete Friday, Dec. 16. 

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As the Hurricane Matthew Storm Debris Removal Program concludes, standard yard waste collection route
schedules will resume Monday, Dec. 19 for St. Johns County residents and businesses.

Please note the following debris removal and standard household garbage collection guidelines to ensure all debris and garbage is removed as thoroughly and quickly as possible:

Hurricane Matthew debris removal guidelines:

  • Place all vegetative, demolition and construction debris within six feet of the curb.
  • Please make separate piles for vegetative debris, construction and demolition debris, discarded household furniture and appliances.
  • Standard household trash or bagged debris of any kind will not be collected with storm debris by the county’s emergency debris removal contractor. Please follow standard garbage removal schedules for these items.
  • Please ensure storm-related debris is not placed near fire hydrants, vehicles, mailboxes, telephone poles, utility lines/meters, trees, fencing, etc.
  • Please do not park vehicles in close proximity to debris piles as it prevents access by removal equipment.
  • Do not place hazardous materials, chemicals, paint, propane, pesticides, or bio-waste curbside. All hazardous waste may be delivered to the Tillman Ridge or Stratton Road transfer stations for disposal.
  • No leaves will be collected by the county’s emergency debris removal contractor.
  • All debris from new construction must be removed by contractors performing the work.

Standard household collection guidelines:

  • Do not place household garbage or recycling carts in close proximity to storm debris.
  • Standard yard waste, including bagged debris, will be picked up during standard garbage collection days by Advanced Disposal or Republic Services.

Yard waste includes the following:

  • Grass clippings and leaves placed in cans no larger than 32 gallons, or in sealed plastic bags no more than 50 pounds.
  • Shrubs, tree limbs, and palm fronds not exceeding six feet in length or 50 pounds in weight stacked parallel to the curb.

If additional services are required to complete the cleanup effort, please call St. Johns County at 904-827-6980 or email matthewcleanup@sjcfl.us.

St. Augustine residents continue recovery process

Nearly two months after Hurricane Matthew moved through the area, many residents in St. Augustine are still trying to navigate the recovery process.

This week, more than 100 people attended a town hall meeting hosted by the city. Representatives from a number of local, state and federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, were on hand to answer questions from residents, many of whom wanted to know when they can expect to receive building permits.

The city manager of St. Augustine told News4Jax Friday that building permits are currently being issued. 

As a reminder, the deadline for Floridians to register for Federal Disaster Aid is Friday, Dec. 16.

To register online, visit disasterassistance.gov.
 


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