Hurricane Debris Management

Tips from Public Works for Before the Storm Season

Wellington strongly encourages all residents and businesses to complete all major tree cutting/removal prior to April 30. 

• Trees should be cut back from buildings and power lines.
• Thin foliage so that wind can flow freely through branches and minimize the chances of being uprooted.
• Clear your property of any items that could be a danger to you or your neighbors in hurricane-force winds, such as old lumber and broken lawn furniture. 
• Clean out any unwanted items in your garage/storage for disposal. You may need the space to store items during a storm.

Once A Storm Has Been Named

In order to avoid overwhelming amounts of debris prior to a storm, we ask that residents and businesses follow the guidelines below. This will help ensure that our community is free of potentially dangerous debris.

• DO NOT cut trees or do any major yard work.
• DO NOT begin any construction projects that produce debris.
• DO NOT clean out your garage or storage areas.
• Monitor the Village’s website and social media (Facebook & Twitter) for updates on when regular sanitation services will stop before the storm.
• Secure garbage containers or move them inside prior to the arrival of the storm.
• Waste Management trucks cannot be on the road with sustained winds in excess of 35 mph.

After The Storm

We ask for your patience. After a storm has passed, our first priority is to clear roadways to allow safe passage through our community.

• Please keep household garbage, recycling, vegetative, and/or construction debris in separate piles. 
• Be sure to place debris clear from any electrical lines, overhanging trees, water meters, mailboxes, and fire hydrants. For safety reasons, DO NOT place garbage/debris on the road.
• Our goal is to re-establish household garbage pick up as soon as possible.
• Crews for the Solid Waste Authority will begin the removal of storm-related debris.
• Monitor the Village’s website and social media (Facebook & Twitter) for updates on services.
• Debris removal may take several weeks or months depending on the severity of the storm.
• Debris haulers may pick up partial loads as part of their sweep. Please be patient, trucks will come back to complete removal. Generally, several complete passes are made through Wellington.
• PLEASE NOTE: Wellington is not responsible for the cutting and/or moving of fallen trees on a homeowners’ property. In most cases, this is the responsibility of the homeowner or the HOA.