As soon as Hurricane Michael’s winds subsided, City of Thomasville Solid Waste crews began working to remove debris caused by the massive storm that left more than 200 fallen trees and numerous broken limbs in its wake. As of today, more than 430 loads of debris have been picked up from curbsides throughout the community. In order to help cleanup and restore the community, the City of Thomasville Solid Waste crews have been working extended hours since the storm and will continue doing so until all debris is removed.
“Unfortunately, a storm like Michael results in quite a bit of yard trimmings and vegetative debris,” said Nate Tyler, Director of Solid Waste & Public Works. “Our crews will be working extended hours so that we can perform additional pickups for yard trimmings while maintaining our regular refuse collection cycle. This means you may see our crews in your area on different days working longer hours than usual.”
According to Tyler, Solid Waste has been working 12 hour shifts each weekday as well as Saturday and Sunday hours. This extended schedule will be in effect for as long as needed to get our community cleaned up. “After Hurricane Irma, it took about three to three and a half weeks to remove all debris,” he said. “This storm caused more damage, so the cleanup is expected to be longer. I would estimate that it will be about four and a half to five weeks to have all debris picked up throughout the community.”
Crews have swept through the entire west side and parts of the north side of town already. Areas of focus for the week of November 5th will include the east and south side of town, including the following streets: Smith Avenue, Palm Drive, Lakeview, Sally Street, Clanton Street, Royal Street, Covington Avenue, Summer Creek, Orchard Lane, Colton Avenue, Grady Street, Park Avenue, Tuxedo Drive, Nottingham, Wimbledon, Tanglewood, Shadywood, and Marty Street. Once this sweep is complete, crews will then move to streets on the south side of town which are: Lovers Lane, Pony Circle, Rosedale, South Street, Orange Street, Augusta Avenue, Wright Street, Fletcher Street, Lester Street, Varnadoe Street, Crimson Circle, and Magnolia Pines. All surrounding streets near the vicinity of the areas listed will also be included for pick-up.
Residents should place yard trimmings on the City’s right-of-way for pickup. Care should be taken to avoid placing debris on roads, near drains or on sidewalks. Keeping sidewalks clear is necessary so that pedestrians do not encounter anything that could cause a tripping hazard. Tyler said that while placement of yard trimmings is important, the size of limbs and branches is as well. Guidelines require limbs to be no longer than six feet and about three inches in diameter. Care should also be taken to not mix household waste or construction trash in storm debris.
Tyler said that Hurricane Irma required around 350 loads to fully clean up the community. “We estimate that it will take around 700-750 loads before all debris that resulted from Michael is removed.”