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Hurricane Information

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1. When is hurricane season?

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.

2. I know the SWA wants all residents to do regular yard maintenance year round but what is the best time for me to do major cutting and/or tree removal?

Hurricane season ends in December and even though we have not yet experienced a hurricane in June, it doesn't mean it won't happen. All major cutting and/or tree removal should be done between December 1 and April 30. There should be no major cutting done from June 1 through November 30.

3. When preparing for hurricane season, is there a limit to the amount of vegetation I can place at the curb for collection?

Yes. Beginning October 1, 2008, yard waste is limited to 6 cubic yards per week. All yard waste, with the exception of tree branches or palm fronds must be containerized in standard 32-50 gallon cans or bags that weigh less than 50 lbs when filled. All branches must be 6 ft or less in length. Residents with more than 6 cubic yards of debris should ask their contractor to include the price of hauling and disposal in their service. Residents doing their own major trimming can contact any private hauler listed in the Yellow Pages under the heading "Rubbish Removal" or contact their franchise hauler directly for their contracted special service fee for hauling and disposal.

4. Why shouldn't I do major cutting in May when hurricane season doesn't officially begin until June 1?

If everyone waited until May, the disposal and collection system will become overburdened making it impossible to process all vegetation before a June hurricane landfall. In hurricane force winds, that excessive debris may then pose a danger not only to you but your neighbors as well.

5. Does SWA collect my storm debris or is it FEMA that provides the service?

Neither. SWA manages Palm Beach County's storm debris program in accordance with FEMA rules and guidelines. SWA hires private contractors to collect all residential storm debris and FEMA representatives interpret and enforce the rules of collection.

6. I live in a gated community or on a private road. Will SWA collect my storm debris?

If you reside in unincorporated Palm Beach County and receive curbside collection service your storm debris will be collected at the curb. If you reside in a multifamily unit such as a condominium and have containerized (dumpster) service, your community will need to hire a private company at your cost to transport all storm debris to the nearest public road right-of-way for collection.

7. When can we expect to have the first collection of storm debris?

Depending upon the severity of the storm, It may be 3-6 weeks before residents receive their first collection of storm debris.

8. How soon will my regular garbage be collected following a storm?

Garbage collection is our first priority and it will be the first thing collected following a storm's passing. Residents should place garbage curbside on their regular scheduled collection day.

9. How many times will a contractor collect debris from my home?

Contractors provided a minimum of 3 passes following the storms of 2004 and 2005. The actual number of times can change depending upon the severity of the storm and the amount of damage it leaves behind.

10. What will SWA contractors collect on the first pass?

Clean vegetative debris only is collected on the first pass. If your vegetative debris is mixed with construction or other debris, it will not be collected until the final pass. Residents are consistently reminded through numerous media outlets that different types of debris should not be mixed.

11. Why do I have to separate my yard waste from my construction debris? Can't you pick them up in the same truck?

The collection of storm debris can be very costly and keeping debris types separate reduces the overall cost which is a savings to the taxpayer. Processing clean vegetation is much cheaper to process and the material is properly recycled. Vegetation mixed with construction and other debris cannot be recycled or reduced in size. It must therefore be disposed in the landfill at a much higher cost and causes unnecessary use of valuable landfill space.

12. The storm debris contractor left a lot of leaves and pine needles when they picked up my large pile. Who is responsible for cleaning that up?

The homeowner is responsible for cleaning up residual debris following the first collection. All leaves, twigs, pine needles, etc., need to be raked up and containerized in plastic bags for collection on the next pass. Small debris that is not containerized cannot be collected by the heavy equipment used by storm debris contractors.

13. Will there be more damage to my property from the storm debris collection process?

Because of the specialized, heavy duty equipment used to collect as much debris as possible in the shortest amount of time, minor damage to swales and lawns is not uncommon. Residents should be prepared to add fill dirt and sod to the staging area of their yard if this occurs.

14. If our community does not want to wait for SWA and we hire a private contractor, will we get reimbursed?

No. There is no reimbursement provided to any individual or community that hires a private contractor to remove and dispose of storm debris generated from a federally declared natural disaster.

15. I live in the city limits. Will SWA be picking up my storm debris?

No. The SWA does not provide collection service including storm debris for any of the 37 municipalities in Palm Beach County. Residents within the city limits need to contact their municipal offices directly with questions or concerns. In most cases they should contact the Public Works Department.

16. How do I dispose of roofing shingles or tiles?

Small amounts of roofing shingles or tiles should be containerized by double bagging. Small amounts placed loosely at the curb are impossible to collect mechanically and if collection is attempted the result is usually extensive damage to the lawn, swale, or street. If you have a large amount we recommend the rental of a roll-off container or having your roofer include the cost of removal of the shingles in their roof replacement estimate. In many cases, these costs are covered by your insurance company.

17. I filled my recycling bins with drywall. Why would my hauler keep passing them by instead of emptying them?

Your recycling bins should never be used for anything other than recycling. Your recycling collector will not pick up trash and your trash hauler will not touch the recycling bins. Drywall and other small amounts of construction debris should be double bagged and each bag should not weigh more than 50 pounds.

18. My fence blew down during hurricane. Will SWA pick it up from the curb?

Fencing is only collected during a post hurricane cleanup by SWA contractors and should be placed at the curb in a pile separate from vegetative debris and household garbage.

19. Will SWA contractors come into my yard to collect my large debris so I don't have to transport it to the curb?

FEMA guidelines do not provide for contractors to come into a resident's yard to collect debris. All debris must be moved curbside or to the nearest public right-of-way.

20. Why can't SWA guarantee debris pickup when they know a storm is approaching? We could be seriously harmed by flying debris if it isn't collected!

The SWA encourages residents to plan well ahead by completing all major cutting by April 30. If all residents cut large amounts of debris after a storm is nearing landfall, there is not enough manpower, equipment or hours in the day to collect and dispose of it all. The SWA and the haulers also have to prepare their own facilities and equipment to safely weather the approaching storm.

The SWA arranges for collection of debris from routine yard maintenance all year long however, residents should make arrangements to have their contractor dispose of debris from tree removal and other major trimming. If residents choose to do their own major cutting they will need to bring the debris to the SWA landfill located in West Palm Beach or an SWA permitted facility. There is a fee for disposal.

21. Will SWA arrange for contractors to collect storm debris from my place of business?

No. Businesses do not receive storm debris collection from SWA's contractors and must make private arrangements for its removal.

22. Will my stumps also be collected?

Stumps are collected however they are picked up by a separate contractor and generally collected from the middle to the end of our cleanup efforts.

23. Is there a cut-off date for getting my storm debris curbside?

There is a cut-off date however we do not know the exact date until collection begins and progress is measured. Generally speaking collection can take anywhere from 45-180 days to complete. Residents should stay tuned to local media for SWA public announcements or visit our website. Residents may also call SWA Customer Information Services at 561-697-2700, or 866-792-4636 (toll-free).

24. Both residents and lawn service personnel pile fallen and trimmed coconuts at the curb. Will they be picked up?

All fruits (coconuts, mangoes, citrus, etc.) need to bagged or canned in groups that weigh less than 50 lbs. They can be placed alongside regular garbage for pick up. Branches with fruit still attached can be placed out with the vegetation.

All other lawn trimmings (pine cones, pine needles, leaves, small hedge clipping, etc.) also need to be bagged or canned in groups that weigh less than 50 lbs. and placed out with yard waste pick up.