Debris Removal

Debris specialists like the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USCOE) oversee and monitor removal operations during natural disasters. Debris removal is a FEMA public assistance program. The actual removal, storage and disposal of debris is performed by local governments or by a contractor selected by Pasco County.

Several steps can be taken before a storm arrives to minimize storm debris:

  • Cut back all trees and weak branches that could contact buildings
  • Thin your foliage so wind can flow freely through branches, decreasing the chance trees/plants and plants will be uprooted.
  • Discard tree trimmings and debris in accordance with local laws and procedures at authorized sites.
  • Clear your yard of any items that could become missiles in a storm.

After the storm:

  • Separate debris into 3 separate piles: normal household garbage, recycling/vegetative, and building construction storm debris
  • Securely containerize all household garbage in plastic bags/cans for your regularly scheduled pickup
  • Don't place any debris near fences, mailboxes, power poles, transformers, water meters or storm drains.