Helene Debris Removal

Unlike other tropical storms and hurricanes, Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to areas of Safety Harbor as well as other areas of Pinellas County. While residents are familiar with City staff performing storm generated debris removal following previous storms, the City has contracted with a debris removal company to provide this service for Hurricane Helene due to the volume and type of debris to be removed.

The contractor, Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC (SDR), will begin the debris removal process, on Friday, October 4, 2024. Residents should have all storm generated debris placed at the curb at that time.

Please remember to separate your debris (per the infographic) and do not pile debris around mailboxes, utility poles, on top of transformers or utility pedestals, in the street or curb, on sidewalks, or on top of water meter boxes. The contractor will be using a mechanical truck to pick up the debris and if debris is piled on top or adjacent to obstacles, serious injury or damage could occur. 

Debris on private property will not be picked up. Debris must be placed in City right-of-way.

Contact Public Works, 727-724-1550, with any questions.

Safe Disposal of Lithium-Ion Battery

Electronics with lithium-ion batteries or small rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that were affected by water due to Hurricane Helene should be disposed of at the Pinellas County Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 2855 109th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL. Open Tuesday through Friday and the first & third Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A more detailed breakdown of which batteries are accepted or not accepted are outlined here: https://pinellas.gov/household-hazardous-waste-hhw-collection

The Pinellas County Household Hazardous Waste facility hosts drop off events throughout the County for hazardous materials.

The next Household Chemical Collection Event is on October 12, 2024, at HHW North, 29582 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater.

Large lithium-ion batteries such as car batteries, lawnmower batteries, E-bike batteries affected by the storm must be disposed of by a private sector recycling company.

Caution: Lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk when exposed to saltwater or damaged.