Henrico County Offering Free Debris Collection Following Hurricane Irene

Henrico County’s Department of Public Works is offering a free pickup service to assist in residents’ cleanup efforts following Hurricane Irene. The county is currently working to remove debris from public roadways as quickly as possible to ensure roads are safe for the public and emergency response vehicles, which is their first priority.

August 30, 2011; 8:43 PM • by Downtown Short Pump Staff

Due to the significant damage caused by Hurricane Irene, including downed power lines and utility poles, the county says it may take crews a week or more to remove all the debris that already has fallen into roadways.

“Our first priority is public safety,” said Public Works Director Tim Foster, P.E. “County crews and private contractors have been working around the clock to remove fallen trees and debris.”

For county homes with storm debris, residents may place small, cut pieces into their trash receptacles for normal pickup. Residents also may dispose of unbagged yard debris free of charge at Henrico landfill public use areas, located at 10600 Fords Country Lane, off Nuckols Road near the Twin Hickory community. East End residents can drop of debris at 2075 Charles City Road. Public use areas are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days per week.

Once crews have cleared public roadways, Henrico will offer free residential curbside pickup of remaining vegetative yard debris resulting from Hurricane Irene. Residents are urged to wait at least one week before placing their storm debris curbside; crews first are removing the debris that already has fallen into the roadways. Storm-related household waste is not included in the free curbside service.

The county says residential yard debris, which means small trees, limbs, leaves, branches and similar storm-related lawn waste, must meet the following criteria to qualify for the pickup: