Curbside Debris Collection to Begin March 11, 2019

The County of Sonoma is coordinating curbside debris collection to begin March 11 to assist Russian River communities with the significant amount of waste created by the flood disaster.

At a special meeting Thursday, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously 5-0 to direct staff to offer the service at no cost to residents in response to the health and environmental risk posed by flood debris accumulating in streets, parking lots and in other public areas.

“Our community’s health and safety is always our number one priority,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, whose Fifth District was hardest hit by last month’s storms. “The volume of waste this flood generated is more than many residents can handle individually. We’re grateful to community members who have stepped up to help out their neighbors as we move through the clean-up process.”

“We know this is a much needed step on the road to a full recovery for our Russian River communities,” said the Board of Supervisors Chairman, David Rabbitt. “Sonoma County continues to be a strong resilient community and we will recover from this disaster together.”

Residents are asked to place flood debris at their curb for pick up in three separate piles, including appliances, metals, and other recyclables; household hazardous waste; and other debris. Pick-up by local waste haulers will take place daily from March 11 - 15, 2019 with a final sweep for remaining items March 18 - 22. 2019 More information can be found on SoCoEmergency.org. 

Residents are encouraged to bring hazardous household waste to a one-day collection site planned for March 9, 2019 at Sunset Beach River Park, 11403 River Road, in Forestville. Collection staff will accept hazardous flood waste from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot. There is no cost to use the service, but residents will be asked to show proof they live in a flood-affected community.

Examples of common household hazardous waste and information about the county’s disposal services are available at https://zerowastesonoma.gov/household-hazardous-waste-facility

The county has provided multiple flood debris drop-off sites in Russian River communities this week, and officials estimate approximately 1,141 tons of waste have been collected at the staffed sites, which will be open through Saturday, March 9th. An estimated 5,000 tons of additional waste is expected to be collected as part of the new curbside program.

On March 5, 2019 the County’s interim Public Health Officer declared a local health emergency due to the large amount of household hazardous waste scattered along waterways, roadsides, and on public and private properties.

Businesses are asked to arrange for hazardous waste disposal at the county’s central landfill in Petaluma.

County officials estimate curbside debris collection to cost up to $1.5 million, and the overall debris collection effort may cost approximately $2.5 million.