Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Debris Collection Household Garbage
Construction Debris
Vegetation Debris
Household Hazardous Waste
‘White’ Goods
Electronics
• Bagged trash • Discarded food • Packaging, papers • All garbage should be placed
• Building materials • Drywall • Lumber • Carpet • Furniture • Mattresses • Plumbing
• Tree
• Oils • Batteries • Pesticides • Paints • Cleaning supplies • Compressed gas
• Refrigerators • Washers, dryers • Freezers • Air conditioners • Stoves • Water heaters • Dishwashers
• Televisions • Computers
branches
• Leaves • Logs
• Printers • Radios • Stereos
• DVD players • Telephones • Cell phones
curbside the night before the scheduled
weekly pickup.
Four Methods of Estimating Solid Waste and Debris Ground Measurements Aerial and Satellite Photography Taken before and after a disaster. Computer Modeling
Visual observation and detailed data collection with equipment (e.g., measuring tapes, GPS units, formulas).
There are several types of computer models for estimating the volume of solid waste and debris.
Combination of 2 or more of the above methods
Best Practices Worker Safety
Serious injuries may result from slips, trips, falls, puncture wounds, cuts, or collapsing materials, making it crucial to exercise caution in uneven or unstable areas. Debris can conceal hazards such as holes, leaking chemicals, and downed power lines, while destroyed structures may have hidden swimming pools, crawl spaces, and basements. Working with solid waste and debris also exposes individuals to various risks, including loud noise from equipment, carbon monoxide from machinery, animal bites or scratches, toxic gases, and other HAZMAT. Therefore, extreme caution is necessary when dealing with solid waste and debris to prevent injury or death. Assess Waste and Debris 1. Understand federal, state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) laws on solid waste and debris. 2. Familiarize yourself with your jurisdiction’s debris management plan. Make sure you are permitted to dispose of waste. If your jurisdiction does not have a debris management plan, refer to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) “ Planning for Natural Disaster Debris ” guidance.
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