Macon-Bibb County has hired Southern Disaster Recovery (SDR) to collect, grind, and remove debris left behind from Tropical Storm Irma, and DebrisTech as the debris monitoring company. DebrisTech has conducted training of Field Debris Monitors and certified the trucks that will be used, and SDR began curbside debris collection on Thursday, October 12.

Crews will focus first on the hardest hit areas of the county – including the Shirley Hills neighborhood and East Macon-Bibb, the Ingleside and Overlook areas, Bloomfield, and neighborhoods near Riverside Drive and Pierce Avenue. After those hardest hit areas are addressed, sweeps of the entire county will be completed and storm debris collected. A map below shows the order in which areas will see crews collecting debris. To view a larger version of the map, click here.

People can help crews identify what type of debris needs collecting, and from where, using SeeClickFix. To submit the location and type of a debris pile, go to www.maconbibb.us/seeclickfix or use the free mobile app on a smartphone. Select “Irma Debris Removal” at the top of the list and answer a few short questions. If a person does not have internet, they can contact the Solid Waste Department at 478-803-0499 or Customer Service at 751-7400 to have their information added to the system. Crews will still be traveling the streets picking up the piles, whether it’s reported or not; this reporting will allow the crews to allocate resources appropriately.

Debris placed curbside should be in separate piles based on the type of material. Below is a graphic that outlines how those piles should be divided, as well as other tips.

Companies Hiring

Southern Disaster Recovery

Southern Disaster Recovery (SDR) is looking to hire local companies (construction and landscaping, for example) to assist with the debris collection. Companies should be able to use their own equipment and staff, and be able to meet SDR’s insurance and liability requirements.

SDR is looking specifically for companies that have load and haul trucks with a minimum (but larger preferred) capacity of 20 cubic yards and bucket trucks with a minimum reach of 60 feet. Pay will be worked out on a per unit basis between SDR and the company.

Any companies interested in assisting with debris collection and removal operation, call 864-469-9776 or email info@southerndr.com.

DebrisTech

DebrisTech is hiring people to serve as Field Debris Monitors and is certifying the trucks and equipment that will be used. This will be a temporary position that could last up to three months, or as long as it takes to clear the debris in Macon-Bibb.

Field Debris Monitors will be paid $12 per hour, and will work 12-14 hour days and up to seven days per week. All hours over 40 in one week will be paid at time and a half. Training for the job will be provided for people hired.

For hiring requirements, click here, and to apply, call 478-292-7771.

United Way Helping Individuals Needing Assistance

As we get farther away from the day of the storm, emergency management officials say what develops is the “unmet needs gap.” People start understanding next steps in recovery, such as expensive tree removal or replenishing low food supplies, but don’t know where to turn. Meanwhile good Samaritans want to lend a hand chopping up downed trees or providing resources to victims, but lack a way to get the word out.

The United Way of Central Georgia (UWCG) has channels open for people to request assistance or to volunteer services as the clean-up after Tropical Storm Irma continues.

• Those seeking help, such as debris removal or food pantry, should text IRMA6 to 898211, which will direct you to assistance.
• For debris removal that can be done by volunteers call (478) 621-7814
• Those willing to assist should CLICK NOW and signup as a volunteer or call (478) 621-7812.
• For all other needs not related to Irma text your Zip Code and Need to 898211.  People also may reach the communities Information and Referral service by dialing (866) 680-8924
• To make a cash donation to help with local Irma efforts, please visit our website, and click DONATE at the top of the page. Once you are there, make sure to designate your gift for Irma Relief.

“We want to match people’s generosity and resources with people who have a need of assistance in clearing their yards of debris,” says United Way Vice President of Community Engagement Lynda Brown.