Waste Management issued tips for getting ready of and collecting waste products before, during and after Hurricane Matthew reaches Florida. According to a release issued Tuesday, Waste Management will continue to collect garbage and recycling materials until winds reach 35 mph or until public officials call for a suspension of service.
In order to keep you safe as Hurricane Matthew approaches, Waste Management offers the following tips to all its residential and business customers:
BEFORE THE STORM:
- Secure all garbage and recycling containers. Place containers in a secure location away from open spaces.
- Stop all yard maintenance and tree trimming activities.
- Bundle and tie down all loose trash such as tree limbs, wood planks or building and roof tiles. Place these materials in a location where debris cannot become hazardous to homes and vehicles in high winds.
- Do not place bulk items curbside until after the storm passes.
AFTER THE STORM:
- If Hurricane Matthew does directly impact our area, you must separate normal household garbage such as food refuse and regular household waste from storm debris caused by high winds and rain. Storm debris including tree limbs, carpet, wood fencing, etc. should be placed curbside in a separate pile.
- Separating normal household waste from storm debris will allow Waste Management employees to collect your household garbage more quickly and safely. The separation is also necessary because other firms independent from Waste Management may be authorized to collect your storm debris in accordance with arrangements made by local municipalities and/or the County.
- Waste Management will restart curbside garbage collection of normal household waste as soon as local authorities deem it safe for our trucks to be on the road. Initial focus will be on streets that are passable. The company will expand its routes to additional areas as more streets become clear of debris and other impediments.
To read the full story, visit www.wm.com or for more tips for hurricane preparedness, visit www.ready.gov.