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Cleaning up after Florence

Myrtle Beach is beginning the cleanup following Hurricane Florence. Residential solid waste service will resume with Wednesday's route. In the meanwhile, crews will be concentrating on citywide efforts. When major thoroughfares are clean, crews will begin removing debris from neighborhoods. Fortunately, the damage is fairly minor. Here are handy notes regarding debris removal...

-- Storm debris MUST be placed within 15 feet of the edge of the pavement of your street.
-- ...City crews and contractors, along with the equipment, are NOT permitted on private property for debris removal. This includes yards, gated communities, mobile home parks and developments with private streets.
-- Contractors of any form are not permitted to dispose of debris on the public right-of-way.
-- Separate debris into categorized piles; mixed debris will NOT be picked up.
-- Place household garbage in pelicans (trash cans) and recycling containers.
-- Do NOT bag storm debris!
-- Place construction debris in a separate pile; these items include building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, mattresses and plumbing items.
-- Collect and place vegetative debris in a separate group; these items include tree branches, large limbs, leaves and trimmings.
-- Household hazardous waste, including oil, batteries, pesticides, paints, cleaning supplies and compressed air, should be placed in a separate pile, too.
-- The "white goods" pile refers to refrigerators, dryers, washers, freezers, air conditioners, stoves, water heaters and dishwashers (regardless of physical color).
-- And, group electronics together in one pile; this includes televisions, computers, radios, stereos, DVD players and telephones.

Most storm debris will be removed utilizing a knuckle boom truck, which is sometimes called a "clamshell" truck. Please observe the following guidelines to avoid further confusion, damage or injury...

-- Please be patient.
-- Ensure debris is placed in area clear of overhead power/cable lines as well as low hanging tree limbs.
-- Do not place debris near gas or water valves, water meters, fire hydrants, fencing, mailboxes, etc.
-- Do not call to request that trucks alter their scheduled routes; ALL areas will be attended.
-- Get debris out for pick up as promptly as possible. This helps achieve a "three pass" sweep. If you miss the first pass, do not fret – another sweep will occur!
-- Please note that different types of debris may be picked up at different times.
-- Again, do NOT bag storm debris.
-- And, be prepared to repair possible damage to swale areas from specialized equipment used to collect storm debris.