How Residents Can Help with Storm Debris Preparation & Recovery

Published on May 01, 2026

Clearwater’s Solid Waste team works tirelessly before, during, and after tropical storms and hurricanes to keep our city bright and beautiful. Our residents play a crucial role in making debris collection faster and more efficient during storms.

Here’s how you can help the city of Clearwater's Solid Waste and Recycling crews work faster and more efficiently: 

As a Storm is Approaching: Secure Your Debris

• Don’t trim trees or branches before a named storm is approaching. Freshly cut debris can become hazardous if it is picked up by the wind and rain. In addition, our solid waste crews may not be able to collect yard waste before a storm arrives.
• Secure your black solid waste barrel and your blue recycling bin in a garage or shed, if possible. This prevents them from getting blown over, floating away, or becoming projectiles during high winds.
• If you are a business owner with a dumpster on site, secure it as best you can. Several dumpsters floated away during hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
  Store sandbags throughout the hurricane season so you’re ready when storms approach.

After a Storm: What Residents Should Do

Set Out Debris the Right Way

• Separate debris into distinct piles at the curb:
  • Yard Waste (vegetation)
  • Construction/Demolition materials (wood, drywall, etc.)
  • Appliances (stove, washer, dryer, refrigerator)
  • Hazardous Waste (paints, chemicals, batteries)
• Do not mix debris types. Unsorted debris slows down our collection crews and can lead to delays for everyone.
• Keep debris away from mailboxes, trees, fire hydrants, utility poles and water meters, all of which can interfere with collection.
• Do not park vehicles in front of piles of debris. Our collection vehicles need clear access to collect materials placed at the curb.

After a Storm: What Commercial and Condominium Owners Should Do

Set Out Debris the Right Way

• Secure all solid waste and recycling containers.
• Secure loose items on the property.
• After the storm, it is the business/condominium owner's responsibility to remove their own debris, as FEMA does not reimburse for hurricane pickup unless they have given the city authorization to do so.
• Commercial and condominium owners can contact Clearwater Solid Waste/Recycling Department to request a roll-off container in which to put debris. Call the city’s Solid Waste Operations line at (727) 562-4920.
• Debris should not be placed in the street or right of way.
• Debris should not be thrown in dumpsters, since this debris is contaminated. It can be rejected at the Pinellas County landfill, since they don't accept hurricane debris due to contamination.

If FEMA authorizes the city of Clearwater to remove hurricane debris from commercial and/or condominium locations in the city, please fill out the right of entry form below.

Recycling During Storms 

• Place clean, accepted items only in your blue recycling bin. After storms, contaminated recycling may be rejected. During hurricanes Helene and Milton of 2024, more than nine tons of recycling were contaminated.
• Make sure the lid of your recycling bin is closed so the rain does not get in. Once recyclables get wet, items like mixed paper and cardboard break apart, cannot be recycled, and contaminate the entire bin of potential recyclables.
• If you are unsure what can be recycled, check the city’s recycling guidelines at MyClearwater.com/Recycling.

Why These Actions Matter

• Having properly-sorted debris at the curb helps our solid waste crews collect materials in a faster, safer, more efficient manner.
• Keeping your solid waste and recycling barrels and dumpsters secure prevents hazards in your neighborhood or community.
• Proper recycling keeps our program running, reduces landfill waste, and helps us to put recyclables to a higher and better use.

We Work Hard For You

• Clearwater’s Solid Waste team works hard to respond to our residents’ needs before and after storms and to restore our city back to its bright and beautiful splendor.
• The Solid Waste team operates extended hours after storms, with extra trucks and contractors brought in to handle the high volume of debris.
• Debris is collected from all types of properties: residential, commercial, and barrier islands.
• Each storm is different. In order to properly respond to a storm’s impact, the city may need to prioritize collecting solid waste and might inform the community of delays to recycling or yard waste collections. Follow the city’s website or social media feeds for information about collection schedule changes.

Together, We Recover Faster

Your cooperation means faster cleanup, safer streets, and a quicker return to normal after a storm has passed. Thank you for helping our solid waste and recycling crews work more efficiently.