Before Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30. Martin County residents should complete tree trimming, vegetation removal, and other outdoor cleanup projects before hurricane season begins. Preparing in advance helps reduce storm-related hazards, supports emergency response operations, and speeds debris collection and recovery efforts after a storm.

Prepare your property

  1. Cut back all trees and weak branches that make contact with your home.
  2. Thin foliage so wind can flow freely through branches, decreasing the chance that trees/plants will be uprooted.
  3. Clear yard of any items, such as broken furniture, lumber and old toys, that could become missiles in a storm.
  4. If you have trees trimmed or removed by a contractor or landscaper, be sure to have them remove the debris.
  5. Please do not trim vegetation just before a storm as it will not be collected until after the storm.

Guidelines:

Residential vegetative yard waste for all customers is collected on WEDNESDAY of each week.

  • Put trash and vegetation in separate piles.
  • Do not place yard waste in plastic bags. Use an old garbage can or other container.
  • All piles must be less than 5 inches in diameter, less than 6 feet in length, and weigh less than 50 lbs per piece or item.
  • Place yard waste materials within 6 feet of the curb.
    • Do not place on vacant lots, sidewalks, roadways or someone else’s property.
    • Do not place in storm swales, in front of culverts or in drainage areas.
    • Do not place under utility lines or low-hanging tree branches.

Bulk pick up:

For larger piles that exceed the size limitations for routine curbside collection and may require the grapple truck with claw, please contact Waste Management to schedule a bulk yard waste pickup at (772) 546-7700.

Residents and businesses can also take trash and yard waste to the Solid Waste Transfer & Recycling Facility in Palm City. Disposal fees apply. View disposal rates

During a storm warning, do not bring waste or vegetation to the facility. The facility may close early or suspend operations as part of storm preparation and public safety procedures.

When a Storm Is Approaching

Once a hurricane watch or warning has been issued, residents should follow the guidance below:

  • DO NOT: cut down trees or perform major yard work.
  • DO NOT: begin construction projects that generate debris.
  • DO NOT: trim vegetation of any kind after a watch or warning is issued. Mass cutting places a significant burden on the collection process.
  • DO NOT: place household garbage, trash, vegetation, or other materials at the curb. Loose debris can become hazardous during high winds. Curbside waste services may be suspended up to 48 hours before landfall due to safety requirements.

After a Storm

Restoring Curbside Services

Following a storm event such as a hurricane, storm-related debris will be collected separately from your normal household garbage and recycling. Safety personnel from multiple agencies will have to assess damage to our area before normal curbside collection service can be restored. When collection services resume, place your garbage curbside away from any storm-related debris on your regular service day.

  • Keep your household garbage, recycling, yard waste, building debris and storm debris in separate piles.
  • Securely containerize all household garbage in cans or bags and place curbside on your regular collection day.
  • Large quantities of vegetative debris should be piled at the curb for mechanical collection. Do not place under trees or power lines.
  • There is no reimbursement provided to any individual resident or HOA who hires a private contractor to remove and dispose of storm-related debris.
For curbside collection status updates after a storm, visit wmfloridastorm.com.

Debris Removal

a white truck with a claw cleaning the debris on the road

Storm-Related Debris

Martin County Public Works is responsible for managing disaster debris removal in accordance with FEMA guidelines. Debris collection schedules and recovery updates will be shared as soon as they become available following a storm event.

To help speed up cleanup and ensure safe and efficient removal, please separate storm debris into the following six categories when placing it curbside:

  1. Vegetative debris: tree branches, limbs, leaves, and plants
  2. Construction debris: building materials, carpeting, mattresses, and furniture
  3. Household appliances: refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers
  4. Electronics: televisions, computers, phones, and other electronic devices
  5. Household hazardous waste: paints, oils, pesticides, batteries, and cleaners
  6. Household garbage: everyday waste such as food, paper, and packaging (place in secured bags or containers and do not mix with storm debris)

Place debris away from trees, poles or structures, including fire hydrants and meters. Remove all water-damaged materials from your home and place curbside for pickup. Debris and trash bags should not block the roadway. 

Tips for Removing Debris from Your Private Property (FEMA Website)

Private Roads & Private Property Access:

Residents who live on a private road with restricted access (locks, gates, or guards present), must grant the County permission to enter before debris removal can occur. This requires a Right of Entry Agreement (PDF) be signed by the legal owner of the road or a legal representative, such as an HOA or management company. A completed Right of Entry form must be filed after each storm event and emailed to: fieldoperations@martin.fl.us.

Request Debris Removal
Report Debris in Right-of-Way