Bay County Roads and Bridges will officially begin collecting residential storm debris generated from the severe weather on Jan. 9 that is placed in public rights-of-way in three zones: the Thomas Drive and Grand Lagoon area, around Resota Beach Road in Southport and in the Bayou George area (see maps below.
What kind of debris may be placed on the right-of-way?
Only storm-generated debris should be placed in the right-of-way. Storm-generated debris includes tree limbs, logs, and branches; loose construction materials created by the storm event; items inside the residence destroyed by the storm; broken glass; and wallboard, carpet, and other building materials damaged by the storm.
Regular household garbage should not be placed in the right-of way, and should be disposed as it was pre-storm.
Items removed as part of the demolition, reconstruction, repair, or removal of a residence should be disposed by a contracted waste-service provider. Debris is eligible for placement on the right-of-way if the demo/reconstruction is done by the homeowner or a volunteer group.
Who can place debris on the public right of way?
Only Bay County residents in the affected zones may place storm debris on the public rights-of-way. Commercial businesses, including apartments, should arrange with their contracted waste services provider for disposal. Waste from commercial properties should not be placed on the right-of-way.
Bay County will not pick up debris from unimproved property or land used for agricultural purposes.
Contractors assisting with the demolition, reconstruction, repair, or removal of items from a residence are required to arrange for disposal of items from the property. Contractors are not permitted to dispose of debris on the right-of-way and should haul the debris to a landfill.
What about private roads?
Bay County will not pick up items on private roads or on private roadways inside gated communities. Residents on private roads whose insurance will pay for debris removal need to arrange for disposal of debris with a contracted waste services provider.
Will the landfill charge for residential delivery of storm debris?
Citizens with identification and/or proof of residency within the affected zones may drop their debris off free of charge at the Steelfield Landfill, located at 11411 Landfill Road, Panama City Beach, of State Road 79. The landfill is open Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 7 a.m. to noon.
How long will the roadside pickup continue?
The initial pass for debris cleanup begins Jan. 16 and will continue until Jan. 23. The need for any additional debris collection will be reevaluated upon completion of the first pass.
What can you do to help?
Residents are asked to ensure that contractors have arranged for the disposal of waste from the demolition, reconstruction, or repair of their homes.
Unauthorized dumping on county rights-of-way is a felony. Please report any illegal dumping to law enforcement.
Owners of commercial properties who have placed material in the right-of-way should arrange for its removal as soon as possible. Commercial debris not removed by Jan. 23 may be subject to law-enforcement action.
Interactive Debris Collection Map
Storm Debris Pickup Zones Storm Debris Pickup Zones #1 Storm Debris Pickup Zones #2 Storm Debris Pickup Zones #3