News Flash

Public Service Announcement 

Burke County Storm Debris Removal Begins October 14th 

The County will begin removing storm debris on Monday, October 14th in response to Hurricane Helene. As property owners continue their cleanup efforts, please ensure that storm-related debris is placed in designated piles along the County or City right-of-way (ROW) in front of your property, but do not place debris in the road. For efficient collection and safety, make sure to separate debris by type into the following categories: 

Debris Types: 

Vegetative Debris: Includes trees, stumps, limbs, and other plant materials. Please leave vegetative debris in large pieces rather than cutting it into smaller sections. 

Inert Building Materials: Includes wood, bricks, siding, shingles, insulation, and similar construction materials. 

Important Guidelines: 

Debris must be placed in the County or City ROW only and must not obstruct the road. Ensure that debris piles are easily accessible from the ROW without being in the roadway. 

Ensure that debris is clear of obstacles such as power lines, mailboxes, fire hydrants, trees, meters, and utility boxes. 

Do not mix debris types in the same pile; separation is crucial for safe and efficient removal. Mixing debris types can cause delays and may result in debris not being collected. 

Disposal Options: 

If you are unable to place vegetative debris in the ROW or prefer another option, you can take vegetative debris only to the County Landfill located at 804 Landfill Road in Waynesboro, off of Clark Place Road. The landfill is not currently able to accept construction debris, but we are actively working on additional options for handling construction and other inert building materials. 

Update on Additional Staging Sites: 

We are currently in the process of permitting additional staging sites for debris to support cleanup operations. As these sites are confirmed, we will provide updates to the public to ensure you have the latest information on disposal options and staging areas. 

Note on State Highways: 

This debris pickup applies to County and City ROW only. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has a separate contract for debris removal on State Highways and their ROW. Burke County does not have authority over debris management on State Highways. We will update the public with any information we receive from GDOT regarding their progress and any additional guidance on State Highway debris removal. 

Cleanup Timeline: 

Collections will begin on October 14th and will continue over the next several months, as this was a historic event that will require extensive time and resources to address. We will provide regular updates to keep you informed of the progress. 

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this monumental cleanup effort. Please check back frequently for the latest information.