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  1. Home
  2. Disaster Debris Mitigation and Planning

Managing Debris After a Natural Disaster

On this page:

  • Placing Disaster Debris on the Curb
  • Additional Information

Placing Disaster Debris on the Curb

Check with your local government on how they recommend you separate and set out your disaster debris. Following their specific guidelines will make for a speedier removal process. Below is an example of curbside debris removal guidelines.  

What to Know

Your local government may ask you to separate debris into these or other categories on your curb.

  1. Household Garbage
    • Clothing
    • Discarded food
    • Packaging and paper
  2. Construction Debris
    • Building materials
    • Drywall
    • Lumber
    • Carpet
    • Furniture and mattresses
    • Shingles and roofing materials
    • Plumbing
  3. Vegetative Debris
    • Tree branches
    • Leaves
    • Logs
  1. Household Hazardous Waste
    • Oils
    • Batteries
    • Pesticides
    • Paints
    • Cleaning supplies
    • Compressed gas
  2. Large Appliances
    • Refrigerators
    • Washers and dryers
    • Freezers
    • Air conditioners
    • Stoves
    • Water heaters
    • Dishwashers
  1. Electronics
    • Televisions
    • Computers, tablets
    • Radios, stereos
    • Telephones and cell phones
    • Video game consoles
    • DVD players
    • Chargers and cords

What to Avoid

This is a graphic showing where to put debris after a disaster. Do not place any debris (that you want picked up) on your property. Do not lean debris against trees or poles.

Tips

Always follow the guidance set forth by your local government.

Disaster debris can often be heavy, wet, or moldy. Be safe when handling it. Wear protective clothing, masks, or gloves, as appropriate.

Refrigerator and freezer doors must be secured with duct tape.


Additional Information

Planning for disaster debris.

Dealing with debris and damaged buildings.

Managing appliances with refrigerants.

Preparing for and recovering from a hurricane.

Disaster Debris Mitigation and Planning

  • What is in Disaster Debris
    • List of Debris Streams
    • Material or Waste
    • Why It Matters
  • Mitigating Debris Before and After a Disaster
    • Resilience Strategies
    • Creating Disaster-Resilient Buildings
    • Mitigation and Resilience Resources
  • Pre-Incident Material and Waste Management Planning
    • Material and Waste Management Planning Activities
    • Planning Considerations for Materials and Wastes from Disasters
    • Management Options for Materials and Wastes from Disasters
    • Pre-Incident Planning is Not a Wasted Effort
  • Tools and Resources
    • All Hazards Waste Management Planning Tool
    • Disaster Debris Recovery Tool
    • Tools and Resources for Material and Waste Management for Disasters
    • Carcass Management During Avian Influenza Outbreaks
Contact Us About Disaster Debris Mitigation and Planning
Contact Us About Disaster Debris Mitigation and Planning to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on August 1, 2025
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