The City’s Public Works Department is in charge of storm debris removal, and has a specific process in place based on priorities set forth in the City’s Post Disaster Emergency Plan.

The general concept of debris removal operations includes scheduled passes of road on public right-of-ways. The focus is on pushing the debris off the roadways, collecting the debris, and disposal. All aspects of the debris operation are completed following all local, state, and federal regulations under the oversight of the City debris monitor.

In order to be better prepared for the effects of a major natural disaster such as a hurricane or tornado, the City of Plantation enters into pre-positioned agreements with nationally known debris management contractors.

While the goal is to complete the debris removal from public roads and rights-of-ways as quickly as possible after activation of the contract, please keep in mind that collection of storm debris is ongoing, and may take somewhat longer. To help ensure that debris is collected in the most efficient, safe, and timely manner, the City of Plantation asks citizens to separate debris at the curbside/right-of-way by debris type.

Debris Types

Debris types (depending upon storm severity)

• Vegetative Debris – includes shrubs, palm fronds, tree trimmings, grass and leaves, twigs or cut up branches.
• Construction & Demolition Debris – materials relating directly to construction or demolition of buildings, such as cement, dry-wall, glass, insulation, concrete blocks, etc.
• White Goods – appliances, including refrigerators, ranges, washing machines, clothes dryers, freezers, microwave ovens, air conditioners, etc.
• E-Goods – Electronics, including TVs, computers, stereos, phones, DVD players, etc.
• Household Garbage - Almost all Foodstuff from the home that have spoiled without refrigeration.

Hurricane Debris Removal

Public Roadways

Immediately after a storm passes, City crews will begin by pushing debris out of public roadways to make way for emergency vehicles and other traffic.

Next steps include removing debris from alongside public roadways, removing stumps and repairing sidewalks, removing “hangers and leaners” from trees, and finally removing downed trees from waterways.

Private Roadways

The determination as to whether debris will be picked up on private roadways and streets is made by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) on an event-by-event basis. Previous debris removal approval does not apply to any future Federal Declared Disasters.

It is an individual’s or HOA’s prerogative to hire a company to remove landscape material. However, should a community determine the need to hire a private contractor, the City will not be able to obtain reimbursement for the community, and the City will not be responsible for any costs associated with the debris removal or disposal fees. Additionally, the debris cannot be dumped in the public right of way for the city to collect and cannot be disposed of at the City’s horticulture recycling center.

Rules for Debris Collection

Make sure you follow these rules to ensure your debris is collected:

• All storm related landscaping debris should be placed in a pile on your property’s swale adjacent to, but not blocking, the roadway.
• Tree debris such as branches and tree trunks should be cut into sections and piled neatly together.
• Place vegetative debris away from mailboxes, water meters, street signs, light poles, and fire hydrants to allow room for heavy machinery to pick up debris.
• Do not place debris in the roadway, where it can fall into the roadway, or on top of storm drains.
• Under no circumstances should bulk pickup items be co-mingled with landscape vegetation. Mixed loads will not be picked up.
• All Storm debris must be placed AWAY from Strom Drains.

Public Works Recovery Phase Hours of Operation

Public Works Department hours of operation will be adjusted to accommodate public need during the specified hurricane recovery period. Please check for specific dates and times.

For additional information, please call the City of Plantation Public Works Department at 954-452-2535.

Other Debris Removal Options

Depending upon the severity of the storm, the amount of landscape debris generated by the storm, and the availability of facilities and resources, other debris removal locations and options may be available. Check the website for guidelines and rules specific to each storm.

Residents with large amounts of construction debris such as fencing materials, may bring them directly to the Broward County Landfill, located 7101 SW 205th Avenue (off Sheridan Street east of US 27).

You may take hazardous materials such as gasoline, paint and other combustible materials to the Win-Waste Innovation disposal site, located at 4400 S. State Rd 7, Davie, FL 33314-2110 (954-581-6606). It is open on Saturdays from 8:00am – 3:00pm. You may also take bulk items or hazardous waste there. Proof of Plantation residency is required.