Storm Preparation and Debris Management

Prepare

Early preparation enhances safety, reduces the amount of post storm debris, and ensures collection.

  • During a storm, items in the yard – lawn furniture, old bricks, tools, toys, etc. – can become projectiles that could injure people and cause damage to buildings and automobiles.
  • If the storm impacts our area you may have debris. It may be downed trees and limbs, broken pool cages, roofing material, fencing, etc. from wind damage. It could also be yard and household items ruined by flooding. Trimming trees and eliminating unwanted broken items NOW will reduce the amount of debris you may have to deal with after a storm. Learn how to properly prepare yard waste for normal collection.
  • When winds are high and conditions unsafe, garbage collection will be suspended leaving late-placed items uncollected at the curb. Preparing early means that the items are collected well before a storm nears.
  • Do not leave garbage cans and recycling carts at the curb when a storm is approaching. Bring all cans and carts back to a secure location.

Debris Placement

If the Manatee County Debris Management Plan is implemented, special collection trucks and schedules will be utilized. If this occurs:

  • Do not bag debris
  • Do not mix debris types
  • Do not block or place debris on top of: mailboxes, storm drains, water meters, backflow devices, etc.
  • Storm debris will be collected outside of regular garbage, items must be properly separated into piles by type of debris:
    • Vegetative - Trees, limbs, leaves, branches, logs, plants; NO fencing, not even wood fences
    • Construction & demolition (C&D) - Roofing material, metal, cement, fiberboard, all fencing, carpet, drywall, pool cages and screening
    • Appliances and white goods - Empty refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, washers and dryers
    • Garbage - Household furniture, mattresses, spoiled food, etc.
  • NO electronics or hazardous materials are collected curbside.
  • Complete clean-up as soon as possible and comply with collection deadlines

Graphic depicting how to separate debris by the curb

RecoverY

When it is safe, you will want to start putting your home back in order.

  • The collection process will be lengthy. Please be patient. Limit items to only those damaged by the storm to help expedite the process.

Please Note: Not all events or storms will warrant the implementation of the Debris Management Plan.

The decision to implement this plan is based on many variables, such as the magnitude of the storm and volumes of debris generated.

Residents will be advised whether or not Manatee County will implement the Debris Management Plan using local media outlets, social media and other communication sources.

If the plan is not implemented residents should follow their normal waste collection procedures.

Stay Informed

During and after a storm, critical information is sent out regarding evacuations, shelters, hospitals, supplies, re-entry, school closures, garbage collection and much more.

City Utility Numbers

  • City of Anna Maria (941) 708-6130
  • City of Bradenton (941) 708-6300
  • City of Bradenton Beach (941) 778-1005
  • City of Holmes Beach (941) 708-5768
  • City of Palmetto (941) 723-4580
  • Town of Longboat Key (941) 361-6411
  • City of Sarasota (941) 263-6170
  • Sarasota County (941) 861-6790