Watch or listen to the news for information about solid waste and recycling services schedules.

Understand that all services will resume as soon as possible after an emergency, although it may be several weeks before yard waste is removed.

Keep your solid waste separated at the curbside for easier collection (household garbage, yard waste and miscellaneous debris).

Put all household garbage in securely tied plastic bags. (This will prevent it from becoming a health hazard if there is a delay in collection.)

Cut all tree limbs into sections of four feet or less.

Place smaller or loose items in garbage cans or plastic bags (weight limit 50 pounds).

Place all debris at the curbside. Only debris placed at the curbside will be collected.

Please realize that it may take several weeks to clear debris.

Don't rely on the county to remove debris from locations other than curbside or public roadways.

Don't risk injury by placing debris near a fence, mailbox or on top of power line equipment. Avoid poles, transformers and downed electrical wiring.

Don't place recyclables at the curbside until a public announcement has been made informing you that collection services have resumed.

Don't use paper bags or cardboard boxes for putting out household garbage.

Don't place items in front of a vacant lot because they won't be collected.

Don't wait to place debris at the curbside in the event a special disaster collection is provided; place it out as soon as possible. If you wait, you may miss the special collection and be required to make your own arrangements for removal and proper disposal.