FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE ON HURRICANE IRENE DEBRIS COLLECTION

Residents can help expedite collection

UPDATE ON HURRICANE IRENE DEBRIS COLLECTION

Hurricane Irene generated approximately 100,000 cubic yards of vegetative debris throughout the City of Newport News. In a typical month, the city collects about 2,000 cubic yards of yard waste and 1,600 tons of bulk material (such as furniture). Public Works and contractor crews have been working diligently since storm debris collection began on September 1st, and have so far collected roughly 45,000 cubic yards of vegetative debris and approximately 1,185 tons of bulk material. The process is very time consuming as almost every house has at least some storm debris out for collection.

Residents can help expedite the collection process by:

1. Not mixing vegetative debris (i.e., yard waste) with other bulk waste items, like bagged debris, mattresses, furniture, appliances, etc. Vegetative debris should be in a separate pile from other bulk items when placed curbside for collection.
2. Combining small piles of vegetative debris together so collection efforts are more efficient and productive. It takes just about the same amount of time to collect the small vegetative piles as it does the larger ones.
3. Putting loose leaves, pine straw, pine cones, and other small debris either in their garbage cart or in bags and set out for bulk collection (separate from any piles of vegetative waste). The trucks used to pick up debris cannot pick up these small items, and they tend to end up in our storm drains potentially causing localized flooding.

The contractor has sent additional trucks to assist in the collection process, and we anticipate that all storm debris will be picked up within the next two weeks. The patience and understanding of our residents are greatly appreciated. Citizens with questions can all the Department of Public Works at (757) 269-2700.
 

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