WHERE DOES STORM DEBRIS REALLY GO? INSIDE FLORIDA’S POST-STORM CLEANUP CRISIS

And how you can be part of the solution—not the problem

We’ve all seen it: the streets lined with soaked drywall, snapped branches, water-damaged furniture, and broken fences.

The storm is over, the cleanup begins… and then what?

A recent Washington Post investigation followed the trail of storm debris left behind after Hurricanes Milton and Helene—and what they uncovered says a lot about the way Florida handles post-storm recovery.

To track the journey, reporters embedded Apple AirTags into real items left on the curb in Treasure Island. And then they waited.

The results?

• A scooter was melted into rebar.

• A broken office chair was dumped at a landfill that doesn’t accept storm debris.

• A DirecTV receiver was last seen at a recycling center—then never seen again.

Even more shocking: Treasure Island alone required more than 7,000 truckloads of debris removal in just 50 days. And much of it wasn’t properly tracked, sorted, or disposed of.

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The Truth Behind the Piles

It’s easy to think that once the debris is gone, it’s dealt with. But the truth is far more complicated—and a lot less organized.

The Post's investigation exposed the gaps in Florida’s storm cleanup system:

• Multiple contractors with different rules and routes

• Landfills overwhelmed and denying access

• Recyclables being trashed

• And thousands of tons of storm debris disappearing into a system with little oversight

This isn’t just inefficient—it’s dangerous. Debris ends up clogging waterways, polluting soil, attracting pests, and causing delays in essential services.

And while cities and counties do their best to coordinate the chaos, a lot of what gets hauled away comes down to how prepared individual property owners are—before and after the storm.

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What You Can Do Before the Storm Hits

You can’t prevent the weather. But you can prevent how much of your stuff ends up in the pile.

Get proactive now:

• Clear your property of anything broken, forgotten, or rotting. Think fences, patio furniture, materials stacked behind sheds.

• Trim tree limbs and overgrowth—especially near structures and walkways.

• Secure or dispose of construction waste from job sites, renovations, and landscaping.

• Book pickups early. When a storm is in the forecast, everyone scrambles at once. Beat the rush.

💡 Pro tip: If you’ve been meaning to deal with something… deal with it now. Not during the warning.

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After the Storm: Clean Up the Right Way

Post-storm, it’s tempting to just drag everything to the curb. But how you clean up matters—especially in Florida’s heat and humidity.

Here’s what to do:

• Stage debris responsibly. Keep piles away from storm drains, utility boxes, and driveways.

• Use licensed, insured haulers. Many scams pop up post-storm. If they’re not established, skip them.

• Ask where it’s going. A reputable cleanup provider should be transparent about disposal methods.

• Document everything. For insurance. For accountability. For your peace of mind.

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Reduce the Risk, Speed Up Recovery

Take control of how much of your property ends up in the debris pile—and how quickly you’re able to bounce back when the storm clears.

Here’s a quick reference guide to help you prepare ahead of time and clean up the right way after:

Storm Debris Management Checklist

🔄 Phase	✅ What to Do	💡 Why It Matters
BEFORE the Storm	Clear yard waste, old fencing, and broken furniture	These are the first things to fly or fall in high winds
	Trim tree limbs and overgrown vegetation	Prevents dangerous breakage and reduces debris volume
	Secure or dispose of loose construction materials	Unsecured items can become scattered messes or hazards
	Schedule dumpster or pickup early	Availability drops sharply once a storm is named
	Store tools, equipment, and valuable materials inside	Protects property and prevents unnecessary loss
AFTER the Storm	Walk your property and document all damage	Helps with insurance and cleanup planning
	Keep debris piles away from drains and driveways	Prevents flooding, fines, and service delays
	Use licensed haulers—not random social media offers	Scams are common after storms—check credentials
	Ask where your debris is going	Legit haulers should offer disposal transparency
	Don’t wait—book cleanup services quickly	Delays lead to mold, pests, and health issues

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TrashHelp: Helping Florida Do It Differently

The Post’s report made one thing clear: the cleanup system is overwhelmed and unpredictable. But you don’t have to be.

At TrashHelp, we make it simple and reliable to clear out storm debris without the guesswork.
Whether you're managing a large property, prepping a job site, or trying to keep your home ready for anything—we’re built for this.

We offer:

• 🗑️ Roll-off dumpster rentals for pre-storm cleanouts and post-storm recovery

• 🚛 Grapple truck service for large brush piles, fencing, and bulk debris

• 👷 Full-service hauling with crews who handle the labor, lifting, and loadouts

• 📍 Service across Florida—with no runaround, no mystery, and no shortcuts

We don’t just remove debris. We help reduce it, manage it, and handle it the right way.

📲 Call or Text: (561)316-8668
🌐 Request a Quote: www.TrashHelp.com/contact