For Municipalities & Waste Haulers

Storm Update

[UPDATE 11-14-2022 at 2:30 p.m.]

To see how the SWA is planning to respond to debris from a passing storm, see the 2022 Debris Management Meeting presentation.

The list of Temporary Debris Management Sites is posted online. As with every storm, not all sites may be activated. Activation depends on the severity of the storm, and amount and location of debris.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 - Nov. 30. Read the current Atlantic 5-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook from the National Hurricane Center.

To keep up to date on Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County information, residents can visit the SWA's:

Creating a Municipal Debris Management Site


Awarded Contracts for Hurricane Debris Removal, Reduction & Disposal Contractors

See the list of hurricane / disaster debris removal, reduction and disposal contractors who have been awarded contracts with the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County.

Guidance for Establishment, Operation & Closure of Disaster Debris Management Site

For municipalities and other private entities wishing to activate their own Disaster Debris Management Site (DDMS) for recovery efforts after a hurricane, please contact Laxmana Tallam at the Palm Beach County Health Department.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Guidance document for the establishment, operation and closure of DDMS can be found at Staging Areas for Storm-Generated Debris (PDF).

Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) and Gated Communities

Removal of storm debris from private property or in gated communities is generally not eligible for reimbursement under the FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program. However, when debris on private property is so widespread that it threatens public health and safety or economic recovery of a community, FEMA may provide PA funding for this debris removal.

Approval for PPDR

Due to the magnitude of recent disaster events, FEMA has simplified the process for PPDR approval. Applicants (i.e. Local Government) must provide a written notice through the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to FEMA identifying areas where PPDR activities will occur (including identification of gated or ungated communities, orphaned roads, or commercial properties). Once the notice is submitted, the Applicant does not need to wait for FEMA’s approval to start work. However, the Applicant must submit its written request for FEMA’s approval so that it may receive reimbursement for PPDR work. FEMA may only approve reimbursement based on the Applicant’s satisfactory demonstration (including relevant documentation) that the:

  • PPDR was in the public interest
  • Applicant has legal authority to perform debris removal activities on private property
  • Applicant agrees to indemnify the Federal Government (including FEMA)
  • Applicant obtained and complied with applicable permits or approvals for the locations of temporary debris staging and reduction sites and final debris disposal sites
  • Applicant has satisfied all legal processes and obtained permission from the property owners (rights-of-entry or other unconditional authorization) and agreements to indemnify and hold harmless the Federal government
  • Here are copies of the support letters the SWA used during Hurricane Irma
Local Government FEMA Compliance
View information provided to municipalities to assist them with FEMA compliance.

Debris Recovery Ordinance
In order to comply with FEMA requirements, the SWA amended its Mandatory Collection Resolution, and the SWA and Palm Beach County have worked together to adopt the Palm Beach County Post-Disaster Debris Recovery Ordinance.

AshBritt Environmental Online Portal
One of the SWA’s Hurricane Debris Removal, Reduction & Disposal Contractors, AshBritt Environmental, recently launch of a dedicated online training portal to serve a broad audience ranging from public sector officials to subcontractor partners to individuals and volunteers interested in working in their communities post-disaster. You can check out the AshBritt Environmental Online Training Portal at www.ashbritt.com/training-portal/. Video and downloadable PDF titles include:

  • Debris Management 101
  • Monitoring 101 + Truck Certification
  • All About Debris Training Course
  • 5 Primary Safety Topics for Disaster Response

Plans & Documents
Access and download storm plans, links, and other resources.

Hurricane FAQs
View frequently asked questions about hurricane preparedness and debris pickup.