Walton County Says Storm Debris Crews Will Return for Piles They Miss
Freeport residents whose Hurricane Isaias debris piles were left at the curb when a collection truck rolled past haven’t been forgotten — Walton County says crews will return for them. The county’s latest debris removal update, published Friday, explains why some neighborhoods are reached before others and what happens when a truck can’t take a pile on the first pass.
Debris removal crews are working throughout Walton County, but officials say the cleanup “will take time and require multiple passes through neighborhoods,” Walton County Emergency Management told WJHG. Some neighborhoods will be reached before others because of the amount of debris the storm left behind, so a pile still sitting at the edge of the yard doesn’t mean the county is done with the street.
The update also explains the sight that has left some residents wondering: a truck that turns around or passes a pile without collecting it. Some roads require smaller trucks to navigate safely, and when a truck can’t reach a pile, a smaller truck will be sent to the road. Different trucks are also collecting different types of debris, so a pile can be picked over in stages rather than cleared in a single stop.
How residents stack their piles matters, too. The county asks that vegetative debris, construction and demolition debris and household hazardous waste be kept in separate piles, because mixing materials can delay collection. Household hazardous waste still isn’t being collected — keep it separate from the storm piles, and the county will announce when that collection becomes available.
Piles should also stay clear of roads, sidewalks, fire hydrants, drainage structures and utility equipment so crews can reach them safely. Officials asked for patience as crews work through eligible debris piles across the county, with more updates to come as the cleanup progresses.
Originally reported by WJHG. Image: WJHG Newschannel 7.
