In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, both the City of Greenville and Greenville County have been diligently working to clear storm debris. However, their cleanup schedules differ significantly! Since we share the same first name, I wanted to highlight the differences between the two! The City has announced that its final debris collection will conclude in the next few weeks, while the County plans to continue collections well into the new year. Understanding these differences in timelines, as well as the guidelines for preparing debris, can help ensure your debris is collected efficiently and avoid any misunderstanding surrounding their respective schedules!
Greenville CITY Debris Collection
- Schedule: The City of Greenville began its final pass for debris collection on December 9, 2024. Cleanup efforts are expected to wrap up entirely by the end of January 2025. Crews will not return to collect additional debris after the final pass.
For more info, visit: greenvillesc.gov
Preparation Guidelines:
- Placement: Stack storm debris on the right-of-way in front of your home, ensuring it does not obstruct sidewalks or roadways. Avoid placing debris near mailboxes, fire hydrants, or under power lines.
- Separation: Separate vegetative debris (like branches and logs) from non-vegetative items (such as furniture or appliances). Mixed piles may not be collected.
- Restrictions: Do not include household trash, construction materials, or hazardous waste. For bulk trash not related to the storm, contact Greenville Cares at 864-232-2273 for assistance.
Greenville COUNTY Debris Collection
- Schedule: Unlike the City, Greenville County will continue its debris collection efforts well into 2025, making several passes across all county roads. Crews are working seven days a week to ensure every area is addressed. If your debris isn’t picked up initially, it will be collected in subsequent rounds.
To stay up to date with any potential changes, visit: greenvillecounty.org
Preparation Guidelines:
- Placement: Place storm-generated debris on the road shoulder or right-of-way in front of your home. Avoid blocking traffic or access to utilities.
- Separation: Limit debris to disaster-related materials, such as vegetation, tree limbs, and logs. Do not include household trash, construction waste, or hazardous materials.
- Heavy Debris: The County can handle large items, including logs and stumps, but some may require additional passes depending on equipment needs.
Additional Tips for Both City and County Residents
- Avoid Obstructions: Keep debris away from parked cars, fences, storm drains, and utility poles to prevent delays or safety hazards.
- Stay Informed: There is no published schedules or projections for particular roads for debris pickup. Crews will continue making rounds, so if your pile is missed, it will likely be collected in a subsequent pass. Sharing this info in the public can help both the City and County prevent any unnecessary misunderstandings about their schedules as well as how the contractors handle debris cleanup.
Debris Assistance Directory
Debris Contact for Greenville County:
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Debris Contacts for Municipalities:
- City of Greenville: 864-232-2273 or
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- Fountain Inn: 864-531-0644
- Greer: 864-848-2184
- Mauldin: 864-289-8904
- Simpsonville: 864-967-9531
- Travelers Rest: 864-834-8740
- FEMA Disaster Assistance: Affected homeowners and renters in Greenville County are encouraged to apply for federal aid:Phone: 1-800-621-3362
- Online: www.disasterassistance.gov
- In-person: Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Freetown Community Center, 200 Alice Avenue, Greenville, SC 29611. Operating hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 7 PM. Note the DRC will be closed on December 24-25, 2024, and January 1, 2025, with the final day of operations on January 7, 2025, at 7 PM.
For more detailed information on recovery efforts, refer to the full December 2024 newsletter from GCEM, available on their website: Greenville County Emergency Management Website