Escambia County Completes First Hurricane Debris Pass, But They Are Not Done

October 24, 2020

Escambia County completed the first substantial debris removal passl countywide on Friday.

The county began its recovery process in the wake of Hurricane Sally with curbside removal of debris for residents on September 23. Contractors expect it will take a total of 90 days to accomplish the debris removal.

As of Thursday,  Escambia County has collected approximately 2,358,598 cubic yards of debris throughout the county, which equals 380 football fields with debris stacked three feet high.  The map below shows where debris has been collected.

To help expedite the process, separate debris for service. Vegetative debris like tree limbs need to be separate from construction and demolition materials like drywall and carpet. Keep debris away from storm drains, low power lines, other utilities and mailboxes.

Curbside Residential Debris Pickup Instructions

Escambia County residents, that can safely do so, are asked to place any storm-generated debris on the public right of way (the area of residential property that extends from the street to the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole or easement).

  • Commercial-generated waste will not be accepted.
  • Businesses should contact their waste collection service provider or a debris removal contractor. Business and commercial material is not eligible to be removed curbside by Escambia County.
  • Nonprofits are allowed to place debris on public right of way for pickup.

Debris that was generated by Hurricane Sally should be placed and sorted on the area immediately adjoining the road in front of your home.

Residents are urged to separate the debris as follows:

  • Vegetative Debris – whole trees and large limbs should be cut into lengths of four feet or less, tree stumps, tree branches, tree trunks and other leafy material
  • Construction and Demolition Debris – damaged components of buildings and structures such lumber and wood, wall board, glass, metal, roofing materials, tile, furnishings and fixtures
  • Appliances and White Goods – refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, heat pumps, ovens, ranges, washing machines, clothes dryers and water heaters
  • Electronic Waste – computers, televisions, office electronic equipment, etc.
  • Household Hazardous Waste – materials that are ignitable, reactive, toxic or corrosive such as paints, cleaners, pesticides, etc.
Only loose debris will be collected; bagged debris should not be placed on the public right of way. Make every attempt to avoid stacking debris below low hanging power or utility lines. Only debris placed on the public right of way will be eligible for collection until further notice.

Do not place debris within four feet of:

  • Mailboxes
  • Water meters
  • Fire hydrants, or any other above-ground utility

Escambia County contractors will make multiple passes through neighborhoods and along county right-of-way for debris removal. If your debris is not removed, please be patient. The crews will make additional passes along your road. In addition, the county will notify residents well in advance of the last day to place debris on the right-of-way for county contractor collection. Debris will be picked up on private roads, and the county is working on getting FEMA approval for contractors to access gated communities.

The county contractors have dedicated pieces of equipment for different debris streams (vegetation, C&D and stumps). Please understand that if vegetation is collected and C&D or stumps are left behind, they are not “missed,” but rather assigned to different trucks dedicated to that debris stream. Contractors cannot commingle debris streams in a single truck load.

Drop Off Instructions for Residential Vegetative Debris Drop Off Sites

In addition to curbside removal of debris for residents, residential drop off sites are accepting vegetative debris generated by Hurricane Sally. This is for private, residential use only, NO COMMERCIAL DEBRIS. Hurricane Sally debris drop off sites are open for Escambia County residents only and will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 a.m., until further notice. Residents need to bring ID and proof of residency.

Drop Off Locations:

  • Escambia County Equestrian Center at 7750 Mobile Highway
  • John R. Jones Athletic Complex at 555 East Nine Mile Road
  • Oak Grove Convenience Center at 745 North Highway 99
  • Baars Field at 13020 Sorrento Road
  • Lexington Terrace at 900 S Old Corry Field Road
  • Park East at 1233-1235 at Fort Pickens Road

If residents would like to drop off construction and demolition debris, they can do so at the following locations (ordinary fees apply):

  • Perdido Landfill (Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
  • Oak Grove Convenience Center (Fridays and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Pictured: Debris pick up on North Highway 99. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

34 Responses to “Escambia County Completes First Hurricane Debris Pass, But They Are Not Done”

  1. Robert Lofton on November 17th, 2020 3:35 pm

    We finally got someone to remove a tree since Hurricane Sally and was wondering if FEMA will be going around again to pick up more debris? We live in the Coral Creek Subdivision.

  2. kelly a miner on November 14th, 2020 11:42 am

    What an awesome job is being done to collect debris around the Murtle Grove area.
    We thank you for helping us get back to normal during these tough times. It is great to know that our local government officials are doing everything they can and listening to
    our concerns.

  3. Mslandlady on November 10th, 2020 8:38 am

    Please put Ciudad Drive on Escambia County Debris Removal schedule. Being (1) street out of City of Pensacola limits it gets forgotten or missed entirely.
    Thank You!

  4. Connie zinkan on November 8th, 2020 11:57 am

    I am disabled, my roof was just repaired two weeks ago and the materials were left in my back yard on a concrete slab. I am unable to get the debris to the front yard to be picked up. Is there someone that can help me with this. I am on 100% oxygen support and have COPD, chronic bronchitis and enphazima am on a fixed income and unable to pay anyone. The amount of debri is minimal. Maybe 15-30 mins of work. My son lives in LA and is unable to get her to take care of it like usual. I left his email so you can communicate with him.

  5. David on November 2nd, 2020 10:49 am

    Good morning,
    I am concerned about the ever growing pile of debris located on the corner of Pine Forest Rd and Pine Forest Dr (2447 Pineforest Dr) The debris is becoming unmanageable. We are a non-profit assisted living but others continue to drop off debris causing a dangerous situation. Please assist. 850-941-5000

  6. Janet Swain on October 26th, 2020 3:39 pm

    Not sure about the first pass “completion” status report. We had one truck come down, just last week, and pick up only some branches (but not the huge pile of non-vegatation) at just one of the residences on our street. The rest of the residences/addresses on our little dead-end road still have their piles out waiting – vegetation/branches AND non-veg – eg. fences, ruined household products from leaks, roofing, etc. I called ECUA and they said that everything non-canned is up to the County Debris removal to pickup. Wanted to let you know that the “first pass” didn’t really happen – only a single vegetation pile at only one residence was picked up. Hoping to see some trucks on our street soon, but we understand the need to be patient — as long as our road isn’t forgotten. Our road is the 5300-5400 block of McGrits Blvd – it’s a narrow, dead-end street off of Gulf Beach Hwy that dead ends into southern side of Treasure Hill Park. We have a particular problem with the piles of debris given our road is very narrow and, in particular, at the very end near the park as we don’t have an actual cul-de-sac so emergency vehicles, ECUA vehicles and such can’t turn around very easily at all — so the large additional piles of debris that remain on our raod (veg and non-veg) are just adding to the problem. We don’t mean to be ungrateful, in fact took a few piles ourselves to the dump/sites and we are thankful for all the teams are doing but really anxious for them to get to our road and pick up the debris. Ughh… #piledupPensacola fearful of this next storm coming this week too.

  7. MR REALITY on October 26th, 2020 2:18 pm

    WOW…A crew is on my street right now. Up about 50 feet in the air over the middle of the street cutting some limbs. I asked them what are yall doing? They said clearing the roadway////I said 50 feet up? They said the limbs could fall on the road. I asked what about the limbs hanging over my powerlines on county right of way…CERTAINLY with this next storm coming you guys will quit cutting limbs on a dead end street and concentrate on powerlines going to homes….NO SIRE WE GOTTA CLEAR THE RADWAY….unreal…..

  8. Lisa Watson on October 25th, 2020 8:06 pm

    Yeah they made a first pass, right by my house, didn’t pick up even a twig!

  9. Deana Presley on October 25th, 2020 6:34 pm

    Construction and demolition debris has not been picked up on Cove Avenue.

  10. William Lingo on October 25th, 2020 2:06 pm

    To keep from placing debris 4 foot from water meter, utilities and the like, I would have to place it in the road!!!! The right of way on both sides of Helms rd as utilities above and below ground.

  11. Ms :ady on October 25th, 2020 12:17 pm

    Key word must be substatial. No debris has been picked up on Medina Rd yet.

  12. tsg on October 25th, 2020 12:17 pm

    I live on west roberts west of pine forest they have picked up on ryale rd weeks ago haven’t seen then in this area since

  13. Patel on October 25th, 2020 7:22 am

    I live on pine forest road north of publix super market, there lots of debris still on side of the road, I see trucks going by but not picking up October 24th 2020

  14. Bonnie Exner on October 24th, 2020 11:34 pm

    HWY 196( BARRINEAU PARK ROAD) between BARRINEAU PARK SCHOOL ROAD and HWY29 has a lot of debris that has been overlooked…please come get it before Hurricane Zeta comes through.

  15. Belmore Snacurvian on October 24th, 2020 10:36 pm

    Many thanks to the contractors’ employees who are here to help in our cleanup and recovery. Cleanup may not be perfect in the eyes of some residents but have faith, it will be done. Remember, these folks are away from their loved ones working long hours with few if any days off. Sure, the contractor may be making the big bucks but don’t take your frustrations out on the employees doing the hard work. Thanks again to all those helping in our recovery.

  16. Missy Isler on October 24th, 2020 6:46 pm

    The trucks picking up debris in Dunmire Woods only picked up one street (Coila) two+? weeks ago, then left. There were actually 2 trucks seen that same day in Dunmire. They did not return. Last week, we called about the status of our debris pickup and gave our address. Last evening, a debris truck picked up our debris then left, leaving piles of debris not picked up at our neighbors and adjoining streets in our neighborhood. Are they paid by weight, so large logs are a priority? Like skip and miss piles of small debris and leaves? They’re being paid $1,000/week as Independent Contractors in Escambia County. For what????? The “Spotters” that are paid to follow the trucks don’t do anything but sit, watch and leave. Nothing. We’re being screwed.

  17. Robert randall on October 24th, 2020 6:01 pm

    They came in to our came in to our cul de sac and picked up a small pile but left the giant pile that is 10 ft tall and about 15 ft across. Estates at Gulf Shores of Freeboard Blvd. Pretty soon I’m just going to burn it where it sits and invite the neighborhood to the bonfire.

  18. Pcolamomof4 on October 24th, 2020 5:14 pm

    My husband worked for ECUA for awhile. Their directions were to finish the route, but not to pick everything up because they didn’t have time for that. It seems like it’s still being done like that.

  19. Bonnie W on October 24th, 2020 4:57 pm

    They haven’t passed our house yet.

  20. James peters on October 24th, 2020 3:45 pm

    Demolition debris in Equestrian Court off East Kingsfield in Gonzalez has yet to be picked up. No trucks picking up that kind of debris has been seen in this neighborhood

  21. Carol on October 24th, 2020 1:49 pm

    Muldoon rd between Saufley Field and Bellview has not been picked up completely only one side and it is full On our side why hasn’t both sides been picked up ? My neighbor put a lot of debris out, but right next to my driveway and I keep having to pick it up and put it back. Please make sure they don’t pass us up.

  22. J on October 24th, 2020 1:38 pm

    No one has picked up anything on Barrineau lane in molino since the hurricane. I have been looking at the same pile since Sally and it just keeps getting bigger.

  23. Citizens on October 24th, 2020 1:30 pm

    Will someone please explain to the workers that Florida schools get out at 2pm and to please quit blocking small roads and curves so the buses can deliver the kids.

  24. Kat on October 24th, 2020 1:12 pm

    They have just about cleared Jacks Branch Rd.. now we can put more out there.. we still have about 15 trees that need to be trimmed or removed

  25. Stacey Adams on October 24th, 2020 12:48 pm

    They have not picked up on my street in Ensley yet. They picked up the very end of my street and the other streets in my neighborhood
    Still waiting….

  26. Charlie on October 24th, 2020 12:46 pm

    I can OLNY HOPE that who ever put this report out to the PRESS has the Insight to at least drive the county or Call some of the people in different areas to see if things have been picked up before they just say something to make themselves look good in the PRESS

  27. Denny on October 24th, 2020 12:25 pm

    It is true they visit neighborhoods and only pick up one or two piles, then leave. They’ll have to visit my area 20 times before they finish, which makes me think they’re also being paid by the mile!

  28. Eva on October 24th, 2020 10:33 am

    Waltham Street has been overlooked. It is in zone one/two and debris has been picked up om Massachusetts and Gardfield on the other side more than a week ago. This is not a gated community, and the road is county mantained.

  29. Jodie on October 24th, 2020 10:33 am

    Still waiting in Molino also. A truck came thru a few weeks ago, but only picked up selected hard wood and left a heck of a mess behind. No other trucks have come thru. Where are they? We still have tons of tree debris to pick up along Molino Road and the side roads.

  30. katherine lindley on October 24th, 2020 9:48 am

    that is simply not true. they have not even picked up the branches that my street has piled up EVERYWHERE . they came down the street Wednesday and picked up a few piles and then left and didn’t come back. who ever reported that they had finished the3 first round, such a lie.

  31. Mark Nissley on October 24th, 2020 8:58 am

    I live in the Hidden Oaks neighborhood. Biodegradable was was picked up a week or two ago, but no other waste has been picked up. Demolition debris is everywhere.

  32. John bush on October 24th, 2020 8:46 am

    Nothing has been picked up off West Roberts, and now snakes are starting to take shelter in the debris piles

  33. Sue Byrd on October 24th, 2020 7:48 am

    10/24/20 – As per directions, our debris is separated. However, saw one truck tour the area and leave. Then 3 weeks later another truck came and only selected a few debris sites and left (the truck was not even fully loaded). The lady who drives the car behind the trucks stated, “oh, they will be right back “., waited, waited, no return as of this date.

  34. Jason on October 24th, 2020 3:02 am

    The trucks may have passed thru King Ridge several time to get from West Roberts to Kingsfield, they have yet to remove any debris from the subdivision. Quite of bit of debris was “skipped” along Pine Forest Road during their initial pass and I highly doubt that they removed anything from Cricket Ridge or Ryale Road.

    Regardless, they have made a really big dent in cleaning up lots of vegetation debris along some of the more highly traveled roadways.