Debris Removal

In a debris removal event, the County-hired contractor, Ceres Environmental Services, will begin debris collection and removal from State and County roads. This collection effort will not apply to Hilton Head Island, as the Town of Hilton Head Island utilizes a different debris removal contractor.

Ceres will bring in multiple trucks to work simultaneously in various locations throughout Beaufort County. Three passes will be done throughout the County to ensure all of the storm-generate debris would be removed from the County’s right-of-ways. Collection efforts would continue until the work is complete.

Residents will be asked to place storm-generated debris in piles on the curb in front of their residence (County right-of-way) as soon as possible for collection by Ceres. Debris pick up includes woody, vegetative debris and other construction and demolition (C&D) storm-generated debris such as fencing and shingles. Woody, vegetative debris should be kept separated from (C&D) and other related debris, as there will be separate collections for each. A Press Release will be issued regarding specific details.

Debris placed in bags will not be collected unless the residence is contracted with Republic Services for annual yard debris collection services. Further, debris removal crews will not enter private property to collect or remove debris. However, private roads and subdivisions may be approved on a case-by-case basis pending Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) pre-approval. Contractors will only collect storm-related debris. Residents should not attempt to place garbage or other household waste with the storm-generated debris, as it will not be accepted. Please refer to the Private Property Debris tab for more information about the PPDR process.

To report unsafe debris situations (e.g. leaning trees, debris piles in front of stop signs, etc.) residents should call the County’s Public Works Department at 843-255-2800. Residents should contact their local water utility for sewage issues and their electricity provider (SCE&G or Palmetto Electric) for power issues or to report downed power lines.

Curbside Guidelines for Residents

  1. Do not place debris on top of utilities, e.g. cable, phone, electrical, or storm drain boxes or fire hydrants.
  2. Do not place debris in front of or around a mailbox.
  3. Do not place debris in front of or around driveways, as emergency vehicles may need to enter the area.
  4. Drive with extreme caution in areas with large debris piles.
  5. Do not block or dump any debris into storm drains or ditches. This will cause a flood hazard.
  6. Aid contractors by sweeping excess and loose debris from the street in front of your house