What to do with your storm debris after Helene

If you have trees and limbs to get rid of, here’s what officials say you need to do with storm debris after Helene.

GVL_Yard_Debris_Helene_SEPT2024

On the road again...

Photo by the City of Greenville

Let’s debrief debris.

If you live in the city

City contractors have completed the first round of debris clean up after Helene. The second round + stump-splitting will happen this week.

The final round of storm debris clean up will start on Monday, Dec. 9 and will take several weeks to complete. If your debris isn’t on the curb by then, we be-leaf you’ll have to dispose of it yourself. Following that final pick up, residents have to go back to “the six-inch diameter and six-foot-long yard waste rule” for collection.

Note: There will be no storm debris collection between Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, until this final pick up date to give crews a break.

If you live in the county

According to a recent Instagram post from Greenville County, debris pickup will continue through January and happens seven days a week. For the rest of the month, pickup location will be focused on:

  • Pickens
  • Anderson
  • Fork Shoals Road
  • Wade Hampton Boulevard

Be sure to check with your local municipality for more info.

By the numbers

In the aftermath of Helene, city contractors have:

  • Collected 325,000 cubic yards of debris
  • Picked up 6,000+ curbside loads
  • Ground 88,000 cubic yards of debris into mulch

Tree removal experts

We asked you to let us know your tree removal expert recommendations. Here’s what you said:

  • Monster Tree — Recommended by William R.
  • Tree Masters, LLC. — Recommended by Brenda C.
  • American Advance Tree — Recommended by Ryan S. | “They’ve done work at both houses I’ve owned in Greenville and are always professional and fair. Smaller company with a good crew and big enough equipment to do any job, including plucking trees off houses.”
  • Robertson’s Tree Service — Recommended by Katie W. | “We (and many friends) have used Robertson’s Tree Service many times and not only are they wonderful at what they do but they are upfront and trustworthy! I definitely recommend them!”
  • Southeastern Tree Service — Recommended by John J. | “They have been a sponsor of our neighborhood pool for years. Good folks.”

Local businesses

Helene caused multiple trees to fall and local tree removal businesses are reportedly receiving 300+ calls per day. Companies like McKenzie Tree Co. and Carson Tree Company estimate that some removals could take months. As a result of these long wait times, be cautious of common scams, such as making large payments upfront to newer or unheard of businesses.

City of Greenville

Separate storm-related debris (tree limbs, branches, and vegetative debris) from your household waste and leave it on your curb away from water meters, mailboxes, vehicles, and grassy areas to facilitate easy pickup.

Greenville County

Trees and limbs will be collected from the right-of-ways of roads maintained by the county.

Note: No bags or trash can be left with the debris. If it is, the trees and limbs will not be collected.

Crews will be doing multiple runs along all roads. Do not place debris near power poles, mailboxes, meters, fire hydrants, or cars.

You can also drop off debris at the following sites:

  • Blackberry Valley | 409 Blackberry Valley Rd., Greenville
  • Enoree (Eastside) | 1311 Anderson Ridge Rd., Greer
  • Simpsonville | 517 Hipps Road, Simpsonville
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