Richland County, SC Hurricane Preparedness: Storm Debris (2026)

Section 12-41 recognizes that no two storms generate the same debris, so the ordinance sets a framework rather than fixed volume limits. Storm events vary in size, scope, intensity, and affected area, the code states, and county response will vary to appropriately address the magnitude of the event. What stays constant is the placement rule: Storm Debris and Tree Storm Debris must be placed at curbside and segregated by waste type, meaning residents cannot mix downed limbs with damaged furniture, roofing material, or other storm-generated waste in a single pile if they want it collected efficiently.

The chapter's definitions section gives the operative scope: Storm Debris covers trees and large limbs, Construction and Demolition (C&D) Debris, appliances, furniture, and other solid waste caused by a significant storm or disaster tied to an area emergency declaration by local, state, or federal officials, while (Tree) Storm Debris is narrower, organic debris such as limbs and large tree parts knocked down by high winds, heavy rain, or ice accumulation (Sec. 12-2). Rather than leaving the response to routine curbside contractors, the Director of Public Works personally coordinates the Storm Event Debris Management mission and appoints a Storm Event Debris Manager to run it, a distinct role from day-to-day Solid Waste operations.

Because a storm response depends on an emergency declaration, residents should expect the county to announce collection zones, schedules, and any temporary drop-off sites through the Director's office rather than relying on the normal weekly yard-waste pickup described in Sec. 12-21.