San Benito County
Celina Stotler, Integrated Waste Management Manager
[email protected]
(831) 636-4110
http://cosb.us/iwm
San Benito County to Hold Free Storm Debris Collection Event at John Smith Road Landfill
Release Date - San Benito County, CA, January 20, 2023 — The San Benito County Integrated Waste Management (SBCIWM) Regional Agency is offering a free Disposal & Recycling Collection Event of storm disaster debris from recent January storms for residents of San Benito County on Sunday, January 29th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at John Smith Road Landfill.
To assist residents of San Benito County with debris management from the January storms, County and landfill staff will be on site to accept residential storm debris at no charge at the John Smith Road Landfill (2650 John Smith Road, Hollister) on Sunday, January 29th.
San Benito County Public Information Officer, Monica Leon, shares “we may anticipate additional debris and impacts from future storms and high winds in the coming months, but for now the Integrated Waste Management Regional Agency is offering a convenient and free opportunity to dispose of any non-hazardous debris that was a result from the recent storms.”
This one-day event will take place on Sunday, January 29th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., where residents will be limited to one pick-up load of residential storm debris per household. Proof of San Benito County residency is required. Eligible items include: damaged furniture, damaged household appliances, non-treated wood waste, fallen trees, roofing, concrete, and carpet. Other items not listed may be eligible, please contact Integrated Waste Management for confirmation. Ineligible items include non-storm disaster debris, treated wood waste, household hazardous waste, and business waste. For event inquiries, please call Integrated Waste Management at (831) 636-4110 or email [email protected]
Safe Handling of Storm Debris. The County of San Benito kindly reminds residents that proper management of storm debris is important to ensure the protection of human health, safety, and the environment. “Debris piles can be dangerous and residents should take extreme caution when cleaning and removing debris from their property,” states Steve Loupe, the County of San Benito Public Works Administrator.
Please consider the following safety tips:
In areas of flood, please exercise caution when cleaning up debris. If possible, it is advised to wait until the area has dried to avoid accidents.
Place debris away from trees, poles or structures including fire hydrants and meters.
Remove all water-damaged materials from your home.
Remove debris from roadways and do not block roadways.
Avoid climbing debris piles.
Separate your debris into categories for proper disposal and recycling such as:
Electronics such as computers, computer monitors, TVs, phones, and laptops.
Large appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves or dishwashers. Be sure to seal or secure the doors so that they are not accessible.
Hazardous waste such as oil, batteries, pesticides, paint or cleaning supplies.
Hazardous waste can be taken to the monthly household hazardous waste collection event, every third Saturday of the month at John Smith Road Landfill, from 9am to 12pm.
Household garbage, recyclables, and organics such as discarded food or wet soiled paper and cardboard boxes, can be taken care of in the normal method collected by Recology.
Green waste and vegetative debris such as tree branches, leaves, or plants. Clean green waste can be placed in your green Recology organics bin for composting.
Construction debris such as building materials, carpeting, furniture, and mattresses.
Properly secure and tarp all cargo loads prior to driving. Transporting unsecured loads is unsafe, illegal and pollutes our roads and waterways. Loads that are not tied down/secured by tarps/nets are subject to fines. Additional tips for securing your load:
Completely cover loads with tarps or cargo nets. Debris can escape from gaps.
Remove loose material and trash before driving.
Don't overload; keep materials level with your truck bed.
Put light items lower, tie large items to the vehicle for traffic safety.
For additional storm information please visit cosb.us/storminfo
About San Benito County Integrated Waste Management Regional Agency
The San Benito Integrated Waste Management (SBCIWM) Regional Agency administers recycling and waste reduction programs to meet CalRecycle waste mandates, protect public health and increase sustainability for its Regional Agency Members that include the Cities of Hollister and San Juan Bautista and unincorporated San Benito County. SBCIWM proudly coordinates comprehensive and cost-effective programs for green business, household hazardous waste, small quantity generators of hazardous waste, safe disposal for medication and sharps, motor oil recycling, and more.
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