The final day of collection for Tropical Storm Irma debris will be Tuesday January 16, and residents are urged to make sure they have put all of the debris brought down by Irma on the curb by Sunday, January 6. This will give crews a chance to make sure they have collected the final debris piles. Any uncollected piles are to be reported directly to the Emergency Management Agency at 478-832-6300 or EMA@maconbibb.us or through SeeClickFix (either online or mobile phone app). Below are guidelines on separating and putting the debris on the curb.

“We’re nearing the end of collecting Irma debris, and the piles we’re now starting to see are regular yard waste piles,” says Solid Waste Director Kevin Barkley. “There are still some streets and neighborhoods that need Irma debris collection, but we’ll be collecting fresh piles as part of our regular routes going forward.”

The debris that has been collected so far has been mulched at the temporary debris sites, and it will be available for Macon-Bibb County residents to pick up for free. From January 8 through January 26, people can go to the Public Works Department (4520 Knight Road) or the old animal shelter (1000 Eleventh Street, near the landfill) to pick up the mulch. This is a very rough cut of mulch and may not be suitable for all types of use. Below are pictures of the type and cut of mulch that will be available.

Only personal trucks and trailers will be allowed to take a load of mulch, not commercial trucks or businesses. People should come prepared with their own shovels and vehicles; there will not be staff on hand to help load the mulch. Any mulch not collected after January 26 will be used by Macon-Bibb County in parks and other projects.

“Our residents have been very patient and have done an exceptional job of working with our crews to make this process go as smoothly as possible. This is our way of giving something back as a small token of gratitude.” says EMA Director Spencer Hawkins.

Since collections began October 12, crews have collected 83,184.8 cubic yards of material in 2,135 loads. They have worked seven days a week to get all of the debris picked up, only taking off for holidays and bad weather.