Crews making progress on storm debris collection

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington officials say crews are making good progress to pick up debris from Hurricane Matthew.

In a release, the city says, as of yesterday, almost 16,000 cubic yards of an estimated 80,000-100,000 cubic yards of vegetative debris has been collected since October 10. Last week, more than 12,500 cubic yards of debris within the city limits was picked up when DRC Emergency Services of Mobile, Al. joined city crews to pick up larger piles of debris.

If you want to check on progress and see where crews are working each day, you can go to www.wilmingtonnc.gov/storm.

While storm debris is being picked up, there will be no restrictions on the amount of debris that can be picked up and tree limbs for pick up can be up to 12 feet long.

Following is a summary of guidelines for storm debris pick-up:

• Limbs can be up to 12 feet long.
• All loose yard waste (grass clippings, pine straw, vines, pine cones and leaves) should continue to be put in bags or containers to be picked up on regular schedule. Do not use wheelbarrows, tarps, or the city-provided trash cart or recycling cart.
• There is no restriction to the size of debris for pickup, but small debris should continue to be put in bags or containers.
• Please do not mix non-organic items (roofing tiles, scrap lumber, rocks, etc.) with your yard waste.
• Yard waste should not be placed in the street and should not block water meters, fire hydrants, storm drains or obstruct the view of motorists.
• The city appreciates the patience and cooperation of customers as storm clean-up continues.

New Hanover County also has a map tracking debris pickup. You can find that at recycling.nhcgov.com.