Update on Houston storm debris removal
HOUSTON (FOX26) - HOUSTON - Mayor Sylvester Turner presents the following updates on the city's removal of storm debris from homes and other buildings in the city: LANDFILLS WILL OPERATE AROUND THE CLOCK, FREEING UP MORE TIME FOR DEBRIS COLLECTION
At the mayor's request, Gov. Greg Abbott has arranged for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to allow Houston's landfills to operate 24 hours a day to accept flood debris.
The change will allow debris collection trucks to deposit debris at temporary sites during the day and then transfer it to landfills at night. That means the trucks will be able to spend more daytime hours collecting debris in neighborhoods.
More than 300 trucks operated by the city, contractors and crews from other Texas cities are picking up debris across Houston and the number of trucks continues to grow. The collection of more than 8 million cubic yards of debris is expected to cost more than $250 million dollars, with 90 percent of the cost covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
RESIDENTS ASKED TO REPORT DEBRIS REMOVAL NEEDS THROUGH THE 311 PHONE APP OR PHONE CALLS TO 311
To assist with debris collection efforts, the City asks that citizens report storm debris collection needs to 311. The City DOES NOT use 311 call volume to prioritize storm debris removal. Residents should only make one report per address; multiple reports to 311 WILL NOT be accepted and will not speed or prioritize debris collection.
The reports will help better target collection efforts and provide documentation for FEMA to provide funds to the city.
How to Report to 311 – USE the 311 APP or website for faster service To avoid long wait times, residents are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to use the Houston 311 mobile app (iTunes / Google Play Store) or click on the Report Harvey Debris button on the City of Houston’s website or the 311 website. 311’s call center is experiencing higher than average call wait times – up to 9 minutes at peak times. Using the app and website will reduce call wait times and make it easier for Houstonians who do not have easy access to a smart phone or a computer to report collection needs by telephone.
HOUSTON 311 APP: IPhone and Android users can download the app from iTunes or the Google Play Store. Click on the Harvey Debris icon.
Houston 311 website: www.houstontx.gov/311 click on Report Harvey Debris
City of Houston website: www.houstontx.gov click on Report Harvey Debris for Pickup
ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED DEBRIS QUESTIONS
When will the debris at my home be collected? Collections are taking places throughout the city, which is working to provide as much information as possible about scheduling for each area. Information about the schedule for each address or block is not available throughout the city at this point. The city recognizes the need to collect all debris as soon as possible following the record-high amount of rainfall produced by Hurricane Harvey.
Why wasn’t ALL my debris collected when trucks came through my area? Some residents may have more debris than can be collected in one truckload. Additional collection trips may be necessary. Once the first pass is made, any remaining or additional debris must be moved to the curb to be collected by the city in subsequent trips. Check Solid Waste Management’s website www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste for debris collection updates.
Why can’t the city pick up debris in my yard or driveway? City collection vehicles can only reach debris if it is within 10-15 feet from the curb. See http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/CurbsideDebrisPDF.pdf for more instructions.
Where can I get more help? Crisis Cleanup https://crisiscleanup.org/ 844-965-1386 www.houstonrecovers.org