LOXAHATCHEE RESIDENTS HIT WITH CLEANUP NOTICES AFTER TORNADO: HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO (AND WHAT TO KNOW NEXT TIME)
If you live in Loxahatchee, The Acreage, Fox Trail, Santa Rosa Groves, or one of the nearby communities, you already know: last week’s EF-0 tornado left a mess. Downed trees, broken branches, debris scattered across roads and driveways—and now, to top it off, many residents are getting cited for trying to clean it up.
According to WPTV’s report, homeowners expected support. Instead, they got bright orange citations from the Solid Waste Authority (SWA), marking their debris piles as “non-compliant.”
We’re seeing it too. Calls are coming in from frustrated residents who are doing their best, only to be told their storm debris doesn’t “qualify” for pickup.
We live here too. And we get it.
What’s Happening & Why the SWA Isn’t Picking Up Your Tornado Debris
Here’s the part that doesn’t sit right with a lot of residents: the tornado was real. The damage was real. But because no official state of emergency was declared, the county is not triggering any of their storm-response protocols.
That means:
SWA is not sending out special storm debris crews
There’s no expanded pickup schedule
And you’re still limited to their standard 6 cubic yards of vegetative debris per week (basically a large pickup truck bed full)
If your pile is over that limit? You’ll either:
Need to spread it out over several weeks
Pay for a one-time bulk pickup at $8 per cubic yard
Or hire a private hauler like TrashHelp
This is the system. And while it might technically be the “right” process from a policy standpoint, we know it’s not practical for rural communities with large properties and trees bigger than most curbside trucks can handle.
It’s Frustrating. Here’s Why That’s Valid.
Here’s what one Loxahatchee resident told WPTV:
“There were branches everywhere… a huge tree had fallen. I expected a little more grace, and then to get that [citation]—it was quite disappointing.”
And they’re not wrong. This isn’t regular yard work. This is storm cleanup.
But rural homeowners are often left in this gray area—too far out for fast service, too much land for curbside limits, and too much debris to handle without real equipment.
We’re not here to knock the SWA. We’re just here to help fill the gap when their system doesn’t.
Here’s What NOT to Do Right Now
When you’re overwhelmed by post-storm debris, it’s tempting to try to “just get rid of it.” But in Palm Beach County, here’s what we recommend avoiding:
Don’t burn debris without clearance. The county’s been in a drought. Open burning can be unsafe and illegal depending on current conditions.
Don’t dump debris on empty lots or roadways. It might seem harmless, but it can lead to fines or code enforcement visits.
Don’t ignore an SWA citation. These notices may escalate if piles sit out too long, especially if they block access or violate placement rules.
Instead—let’s walk through what your options really are.
What You Can Do
First things first—if you're still staring down a yard full of debris, here are a few steps you can take right now, with or without help:
Sort and stack debris properly. Keep piles away from mailboxes, fire hydrants, and power lines. Make sure everything is within 6 feet of the road and accessible for curbside pickup.
Measure your pile. If it’s under 6 cubic yards (roughly a full pickup truck bed), SWA should collect it during your scheduled yard waste pickup—no citation necessary.
Break down what you can. Cut branches into smaller sections to help meet the volume limit. If you have tools and time, this can help reduce how many pickups you’ll need.
Check your insurance. If the storm caused major damage, your policy may cover cleanup. It's worth the call.
Document everything. Especially if you're dealing with an HOA or a possible future claim—photos and timestamps help.
But if your pile is way over the limit, you’ve been cited, or you just need it gone—we’re here for that.
TrashHelp is a local, family-owned team based right here in Palm Beach County. We offer flexible, fast, and fully compliant services for situations just like this:
🚛 Book a Grapple Truck
If you’ve got huge limbs, tree trunks, or heavy piles, our grapple truck can remove it in minutes. We do all the lifting. No dragging debris to the curb, no stress, and no risking injury.
📦 Rent a Roll-Off Dumpster
Still in cleanup mode? We’ll drop a dumpster right on your property.
You can fill it over time, and we’ll pick it up when you're ready. Sizes range from 12 to 40 yards, and we’ll help you figure out what’s best based on your property and pile size.
⚡ Request Emergency Cleanup
If your driveway is blocked, debris is creating a hazard, or you just need it cleared ASAP—we offer same-day or next-day service when available. Let us know it’s urgent, and we’ll do our best to prioritize you.
🏡 Rural Roads? Gated Communities? No Problem.
We know how to operate in neighborhoods like The Acreage, Fox Trail, Arden, and Westlake.
We’re familiar with HOA policies, narrow access points, soft driveways, and permit requirements. We’ll protect your property and work within your community’s guidelines.
Storm Cleanup or Just Yard Work?
Here’s how to know if you need outside help:
☑️ Your pile is bigger than 6 cubic yards
☑️ You’ve received a citation or “not in compliance” tag
☑️ You have large tree limbs, stumps, or heavy debris
☑️ Debris is blocking your road, driveway, or gate
☑️ You don’t have the right tools or manpower
☑️ Burning is unsafe or restricted in your area
☑️ You’re facing HOA or code enforcement pressure
☑️ You need it gone fast—before the next storm hits
💡 Pro-Tip: If you’re unsure about volume—take a picture and send it to us. We’ll give you a fast estimate and let you know the best option.
Prepare for the Next Storm—Before It Hits
It’s easy to forget just how quickly a small storm can turn into a big problem. This tornado was unexpected, brief, and still created a mess.
Now’s the time to think ahead:
✅ Trim trees before storm season
Get dead branches and weak limbs removed well in advance (not during an active watch/warning).
✅ Don’t wait to plan your cleanup
Have a go-to hauler or dumpster contact saved in your phone. TrashHelp is here for exactly that.
✅ Know your limits
6 cubic yards isn’t much—and won’t cut it for rural properties. Know when to call in extra help.
✅ Document everything
If your home or property was damaged, take photos. Some insurance policies cover storm debris removal—you won’t know unless you ask.
Real Support. Real Solutions. Right Here in Palm Beach County.
At the end of the day, you shouldn’t be penalized for trying to do the right thing. If this storm left your yard upside down—or left you dealing with fines, citations, or stress you didn’t expect—let us help.
We’re not a national chain. We’re local. We’ve driven these roads. We’ve hauled debris in these neighborhoods. And we’re ready to show up when you need it most.
📞 Call or text us at (561) 316-8668
📧 info@trashhelp.com
🌐 www.trashhelp.com/contact
