Sarasota's post-hurricane debris management is coordinated by the City's Solid Waste Division under Ch. 16 and follows FEMA Public Assistance debris-removal guidelines. Residents must separate vegetative debris, construction & demolition debris, white goods (appliances), electronics, and household hazardous waste for staged curbside pickup.
After a declared emergency, the City typically activates contracted debris haulers funded in part by FEMA Public Assistance under the Stafford Act. Residents separate debris into categories: vegetative (tree/shrub trimmings - typically picked up first), construction & demolition (roofing, drywall, lumber - picked up second), white goods (refrigerators, washers - refrigerant must be removed first), electronics (TVs, computers), and household hazardous waste (paint, chemicals - never put curbside). All debris must be at the curb but not blocking the right-of-way, storm drains, fire hydrants, or sidewalks. Pre-storm yard waste should be secured or removed to avoid wind-driven hazards. Routine residential yard waste continues through the normal Ch. 16 collection schedule.
Mixing categories or placing debris before/after the announced collection window can result in non-collection - residents must then haul it themselves. Blocking streets or hydrants with debris can result in towing and citation. Putting hazardous waste curbside violates state DEP rules with potential civil penalties.
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