Preparing Your Property for Debris Cleanup
Whether you opted in for Phase 2 or not, there’s plenty of debris that needs to be cleared and sorted. Yard waste, like branches and leaves, should be separated from construction materials, drywall and broken glass.
Ash and debris that is stockpiled onsite should be wetted until it is loaded for transport to prevent offsite migration of dust. Click here to learn more.
Having the proper equipment for debris removal can make all the difference when it comes to safety and efficiency. From basic collection tools like brooms and shovels to heavy-duty trash collection machinery, there are many different pieces of equipment needed for clearing and separating debris from the ground, in vehicles and trucks, and from structures.
Debris removal can be a labor-intensive process, especially when dealing with large amounts of material. Proper equipment can help to reduce the amount of time required for a project, making it more cost-effective and streamlined. For example, street sweepers can quickly and effectively clear roads, sidewalks, and other surfaces of dust, dirt, and small debris. Additionally, more advanced collection systems that allow debris to be sorted in a controlled environment can improve both speed and safety.
For more extensive work on roadways, specialized traffic control tools and equipment can be used to manage roadwork and prevent delays for the public. These include portable barricades, warning signs, and cones to mark closed or diverted routes. It’s important to regularly assess and adjust these controls as needed based on changing conditions or feedback from on-site personnel.
In the case of a major disaster or severe weather event, it may be necessary to set up temporary traffic control to maintain safe access for residents and workers involved in the cleanup process. Additionally, establishing designated debris pickup sites for various types of waste can help streamline the process. To do so, it’s important to keep all debris piles clear and unblocked for collection vehicles to pick up, and stack materials neatly at the curbside to avoid blocking streets or disrupting traffic flow.
Depending on the size of a site, certain kinds of debris removal equipment are necessary to ensure efficient processes and high productivity. Dump trucks are the workhorses of debris removal, able to handle large loads and transport material easily offsite. They can be fitted with various attachments to handle varying debris sizes and types. Excavators are also useful for breaking down ruined buildings, digging up embedded debris, and loading dump trucks. With machines ranging from mini excavators for tight spaces to crawler excavators for rough terrains, there are many different options available for handling a wide range of debris.
Safety
Debris removal involves many materials that require distinct handling and disposal strategies. Manmade debris can include waste and construction materials, such as plastic or glass, or it may consist of wood or metal debris, including tools and nails. Some materials can be hazardous to human health, such as asbestos or lead paint residues, and some must be handled by specialized personnel. Other hazards, such as eye injuries from dust or chemicals, are common during cleanup activities.
Natural debris, such as logs and plants, is often the most visible. Large branches and stumps can obstruct roads and damage structures or utility poles. Vegetative debris can also clog drain systems and contribute to flooding. Proper removal is critical to prevent blockages and maintain safe roadways. Local governments can coordinate with homeowners to arrange for curbside pickup of vegetative debris.
Manmade debris typically includes construction and demolition materials like drywall, carpeting, lumber, and appliances. These items can be separated from other debris to reduce landfill use and sorted for recycling.
Some materials pose special risks, such as sharp objects that can puncture skin or car tires. Wearing thick-soled work shoes and working carefully can help minimize the risk of injury. Workers should also take care to avoid contact with floodwaters, which could contain contaminants that can cause illness or infection. If a worker is exposed to dirty or contaminated water, they should wash their hands immediately and seek a tetanus shot if needed.
Effective traffic control measures are essential to manage lane closures and detours during the debris removal process. Portable traffic signals and directional signage can be used to notify drivers of changes, and mobile message boards can provide real-time updates for the public. Traffic incident management teams can bring traffic control, scene stabilization, and material removal under a unified command to improve efficiency and safety.
Getting Started
It might feel overwhelming at first, but taking steps to prepare your property for debris clean-up will save time and money in the long run. First, start by walking around your home and property and making notes of what needs to be done. You can use this information to create a cleanup plan and checklist. This step also helps you avoid unexpected costs and reduce safety risks by getting the right equipment and supplies.
It’s also important to be aware of local regulations regarding debris disposal. Some areas require that piles be placed in a certain way or have specific pickup schedules. If you’re planning to hire a contractor to take care of your cleanup, be sure to check local guidelines and rules.
Once you’ve assessed the area, it’s time to start cleaning up. Make sure you have the proper safety gear and equipment, and follow instructions from your manufacturer when using tools like chainsaws. Also, be sure to wear gloves and goggles when handling hazardous materials. Lastly, make sure to keep your workspace tidy and organized. Keeping your materials organized will prevent fires and help you work efficiently.
Cleaning Up
Debris removal includes material removal like trees and brush as well as waste disposal. Some debris objects are very large (e.g. lobster traps), and need multiple people to lift. Others, such as plastic trash, are lighter and may be easily collected by a single volunteer. The Debris Inventory application provides tools to manage this process and aid in volunteer coordination. These include the Map page that displays detected debris items overlaid on a map, with different debris object types coded by color to facilitate volunteer management and planning.
