Storm Debris Management

debris truck collecting debris with city logo and the text storm debris management


Storm Debris Management

Storm Debris Daily Collection Zones

Storm Debris Management frequently asked questions

Tropical Storm Helene generated an estimated 3,000,000 cubic yards of storm debris within Asheville’s city limits. The City of Asheville activated state contracts to engage a debris contractor and a debris monitoring firm to begin clearing storm debris from public rights-of-way (ROW). This initial effort prioritized critical infrastructure and roadways, ensuring accessibility and public safety.The City’s contracted firm began ROW debris removal on October 10, 2024, collecting 19,409 cubic yards of debris in the first 17 days of operations.

Recognizing the scale and complexity of debris removal required, the City partnered with Hagerty Consulting, LLC to assess the full scope of the operation. It was determined that the most effective path forward would be to transition management to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under Direct Federal Assistance (DFA). 

Efforts are now focused on the following areas:

  • ROW debris removal (State, City, and private roads – Vegetative & C&D)
  • Private and commercial property debris removal (PPDR & CPDR)
  • Waterway debris cleanup
  • Public facilities and parks debris removal
  • Vehicles and vessels recovery

City staff continue to prioritize debris removal requests from residents and businesses where storm debris is impeding emergency access or posing safety concerns. If you feel your storm debris poses a safety concern please email sanitation@ashevillenc.gov

The City of Asheville is committed to providing transparent and consistent information to residents about storm debris removal efforts. The Asheville Recovers engagement hub serves as a centralized resource for residents to access detailed information, reflecting the City’s dedication to keeping the community informed and involved throughout the recovery process.

Right-of-way storm debris removal

Map of zones for storm debris removal Light blue-Zone 1/West Asheville Dark blue-Zone 2/North West Asheville Light green-Zone 3/Downtown Asheville Dark green-Zone 4/North Asheville Yellow-Zone 5/North East Asheville Red-Zone 6/East Asheville Light orange-Zone 7/South East Asheville Dark orange-Zone 8/South Asheville

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) contractors continue to collect storm debris from City, private, and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) maintained roads within Asheville’s city limits, with the exception of interstates and ramps.

The first pass of debris collection is complete, focusing on easily accessible debris and prioritizing hazards that obstruct essential access. In December 2024, contractors assessed remaining storm debris to guide priorities for the next phase of collection.

The second pass of debris removal will be more detailed and refined, addressing remaining storm debris and difficult-to-access areas below:

  • Debris under power lines, near structures, or on narrow roads requires specialized equipment such as small skid steers and traffic control teams for safe removal.
  • Uprooted stumps need different handling—fully uprooted stumps must be broken down before collection, while partially uprooted stumps require FEMA’s Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) review before removal.

The final phase of storm debris removal from ROW will be the third pass. This will be the final sweep to collect any remaining storm debris, ensuring streets and neighborhoods are clear. Residents should have all debris curbside before this pass begins

Storm Debris that was placed in black trash bags shortly after the storm must be collected separately due to unknown contents. Black bag collection was completed on January 31, 2025. Any debris placed at the curb in black bags after this date will not be collected.

Debris Guidelines

 

Click for larger images.

The community can place sorted debris to the curb in the right-of-way. Do not bag debris.Debris should be separated at the curb by category:

  • Construction & demolition & bulky items: Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing.
  • Appliances: Refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher. Do not leave the doors unsealed or unsecured. Place refrigerators with door facing ground to prevent door opening.
  • Electronics: TV, computer, stereo, phone, DVD players
  • Vegetative Debris: Tree branches, leaves, logs, plants, stumps, trees.
  • Mud/dirt: See Mud & Sediment Removal Guidance below

Contractors will be working in storm debris removal zones. These zones are typically utilized as snow removal zones, and we will be using these same zones to communicate about storm debris collection.

Things to keep in mind

  • Do not block the roadway with debris and ensure access for large trucks and emergency vehicles.
  • Do not place or lean debris near or on trees, poles, water meters, or other structures. This includes fire hydrants, utility boxes, and curbside trash carts.
  • Contractors cannot collect directly from private property. However, if your pile starts at the curb in the right-of-way and stretches into your yard in a continuous manner, their equipment can reach about 18’, as long as there are no overhead lines or obstructions.
  • Do not attempt the cleanup process without proper protective equipment: long pants, safety glasses, gloves and sturdy shoes are recommended.
  • There will be multiple passes and collections – you do not have to have it all out at once.
  • Ensure staff can still access your trash/recycling carts.

Hazardous trees and stump removal

Debris removal contractors are actively working to remove hazardous trees, limbs, and stumps from public rights-of-way (ROW) and City property. The City’s arborist and urban forester have been involved from the start to assist with assessments and ensure that tree canopy loss is minimized.

Trees are considered for removal if they meet any of the following criteria:

  • Leaning at least 30 degrees
  • Having a split trunk
  • Possessing a broken canopy that threatens the ROW or infrastructure

Fully uprooted stumps will be among the last debris materials collected due to the labor-intensive process required for their breakdown and removal.

As crews work through hazardous trees in the ROW, they are collecting GPS points of partially uprooted stumps and submitting them for FEMA’s Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) review. This ensures that any potential historical, environmental, or culturally sensitive concerns are addressed before approval for removal is granted.

Only stumps that are 50% or more uprooted will be removed, and the hole will be filled. Stumps that do not meet this criterion will be pushed back into the hole and flush-cut with the ground to restore the area.

Mud and Sediment Removal

The following information has been provided by N.C. Department of Environmental QualityEnvironmental Guidance for Helene-Impacted Areas.

Soil should be separated from other debris with the following guidelines:

  1. No signs of Contamination (discoloration or abnormal odor such as fuel) Soils and sediments from roadways, parking lots, and other open areas may be stockpiled in an area where they can be recovered and reused for construction or other needs in the recovery effort.
  2. Signs of Contamination (discoloration or abnormal odor such as fuel)- Soils and sediments from roadways, parking lots, and other open areas should be isolated and stockpiled on a surface, not allowing fluid to pass through or a tarp and cover where possible.
  3. Removal from inside of Flooded Homes and Garages– If there is no sign of contamination, follow steps #1 above. If Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) type materials (cleaners, pesticides, etc) spilled into the mud, then it should be collected, dried and sent to the landfill for disposal.
  4. Business/Commercial Removal with Contamination- Should be containerized pending determination of proper disposal in coordination with the Division of Waste Management, Inactive Hazardous Sites Branch. Regional contact is Brett Engard, (828) 767-2424 or brett.engard@deq.nc.gov.

It is advised not to place material in flood-prone areas & to install adequate runoff controls (e.g., silt fence) around stockpiles. Guidelines may change based on updates from local, state, or federal partners. For more information, contact the Division of Waste Management at 828-296-4500.


Private Property and Commercial Debris Removal

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County, has launched the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program to assist residents and business owners impacted by Hurricane Helene. Property owners who do not have debris removal insurance may apply to have qualified disaster debris removed from their property at no cost. The program also includes the demolition of eligible unsafe structures. 

PPDR began on February 4, 2025. Private property debris will be moved to the right-of-way (ROW) and collected through the ROW debris removal process. The same contractor is handling both PPDR and ROW operations, ensuring an efficient, coordinated cleanup effort.

Before contractors can access private property for debris removal or demolition, all property owners must sign a Right-of-Entry (ROE) form. This voluntary document grants permission for work to proceed and may be withdrawn at any time before debris removal begins.

What is Eligible for PPDR?

  • Removal of hazardous limbs, trees, or mixed debris caused by Hurricane Helene if it is near a commonly used or maintained area of a property.
  • Removal of debris impacting a waterway.
  • Demolition and removal of unsafe structures that pose a health hazard, are unfit for occupancy, may not be recoverable, or are at risk of collapse. This may include concrete slabs.

What is not Eligible?

  • Debris on vacant lots, unimproved property, or unused/unmaintained areas.
    Debris on agricultural land primarily used for crops or livestock.

How to Apply:

Property owners can apply for PPDR and demolition services in the following ways:

  • Apply online here.
  • In Person: Visit one of the PPDR application centers across Buncombe County.

For more information call the One Buncombe Hotline at 828-250-6100, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and select option “2” for debris-related questions.


Waterway Debris Removal

large equipment in waterway clearing debris

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and FEMA has tasked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) with overseeing the waterway debris removal process. The removal of debris from Asheville’s waterways began on February 1, 2025, following the completion of FEMA’s Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) review.

Assessment & Prioritization of Waterway Debris Locations

City staff provided FEMA with detailed waterway debris locations along the Swannanoa River, French Broad River, and local tributaries. These sites were assessed by FEMA and USACE and classified as either eligible or ineligible for removal under the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG) v4.

  • Eligible sites: Debris deemed necessary to eliminate immediate threats to life, public health, safety, or improved property.
  • Ineligible sites: Locations that do not meet the removal criteria. Staff is currently working with FEMA to review ineligible sites, particularly those in densely developed areas, where debris may still pose a threat to nearby properties.

As the process moves forward, City staff will continue to identify additional waterway debris locations to include in the cleanup process. Smaller debris remaining after FEMA’s cleanup effort will be addressed through external partnerships and volunteer initiatives. 

Environmental Protection During Waterway Debris Removal

Contractors will take great care to minimize the environmental impact of waterway debris removal through the following measures:

  1. Minimizing Habitat Disruption
    • Use of smaller, more precise equipment in sensitive ecosystems to reduce habitat disturbance.
  2. Protection of Water Quality
    • Contractors will deploy silt fences, barriers, and other sediment control devices to prevent pollutants from entering the water.
  3. Fish and Wildlife Considerations
    • Work will be conducted with special attention to protecting local wildlife, avoiding active breeding seasons, and following guidelines for endangered or protected species.
  4. Erosion Control
    • Temporary stabilization techniques, such as cutting trees at the stump and leaving the root ball, will be employed to prevent erosion of riverbanks and wetlands.
  5. Adaptive Approaches
    • Removal methods will be adjusted based on the specific characteristics of each waterway to minimize environmental impacts while ensuring necessary debris clearance.
  6. Collaboration with Environmental Agencies
    • Ongoing consultation with environmental agencies to ensure compliance with regulations and incorporate best practices for habitat preservation and environmental stewardship.

For updates on waterway debris removal efforts, continue to check our website or contact the One Buncombe Hotline at 828-250-6100.


Public Facilities and Parks

City Staff are working with our contractor to clean up and reopen public facilities and parks as soon as possible. The Parks and Recreation Department has provided a priority list for debris removal across City parks. Contractor teams are actively working in parks to remove a variety of debris, including:

  • Vegetative debris
  • Construction and demolition (C&D) materials
  • Mud, silt, hazardous trees, and limbs
  • Uprooted stumps

USACE will notify the City once debris removal is complete in a park, at which point a final walk-through will be conducted to ensure the area is cleared to satisfaction and approved for use again.

These efforts ensure that all public spaces, including historic sites and recreational areas, are restored as efficiently and carefully as possible.


Titled property impacted by Helene

In September 2024 and October 2024, search and rescue teams documented 987 vehicles and vessels impacted by the storm within City limits. This included titled property such as vehicles, boats, campers, and trailers.

Non-titled property like shipping containers (also known as Conex trailers or tractor trailers) is not considered titled property and will be taken to Enka Commerce Park for processing. 

City staff  re-evaluated the number of impacted vehicles still located in rights-of-way (ROW) or waterways and the number was reduced to 80 located in the waterway. Contractors will retrieve and document the remaining vehicles and vessels. These vehicles will be transported to contracted towing facilities or a central holding location, and a formal notification process will be carried out in compliance with legal requirements.


Storm Debris Contracting Opportunities

The Asheville Business Inclusion (ABI) Office is dedicated to helping local small businesses access contracting opportunities, particularly with AshBritt for storm debris removal. Currently, 9 local businesses are actively engaged in contracts with AshBritt.

To further support these businesses, the ABI Office, in partnership with AshBritt, hosted an Debris Removal Contracting Outreach Event on December 18, 2024 at the Dr. Wesley Grant Center. This event also featured Sunbelt, who provided equipment rental assistance and contracts for businesses to lease debris removal equipment, with an option to purchase and own.

In response to demand and continued support, the ABI Office and AshBritt are scheduling a second outreach event in February to discuss additional debris removal contracting opportunities. For more information on contracting opportunities or to express interest in participating in the upcoming event, please contact the ABI Office at abi@ashevillenc.gov.


Guidance for volunteer organization clean-up

volunteers clearing debris standing for a photo

The City recognizes that collaboration with non-profit organizations is essential to an effective and inclusive recovery process. In particular, non-profits will play a crucial role in waterway debris removal, helping to ensure that recovery efforts are community-driven and comprehensive.

The City continues to work closely with FEMA and USACE to establish eligibility and logistical considerations for non-profits to contribute to debris removal efforts. This coordination ensures that non-profit involvement aligns with the established guidelines for effective and efficient recovery operations.

To streamline collaboration, Casi Lohmeyer from Buncombe County has been designated as the dedicated liaison for non-profit coordination. Casi’s role will be to facilitate communication between non-profit organizations, FEMA, USACE, contractors, and both the City and County. This effort will ensure all partners remain aligned and are able to maximize their contributions to the recovery process.

For more information or to get involved, please reach out to Casi Lohmeyer directly at cassandra.lohmeyer@buncombecounty.org.


Storm Debris Management Sites

Storm debris removal is critical for community safety and temporary debris sites are necessary to process and ultimately remove debris from our community. There is and continues to be a sense of urgency about debris removal. The longer storm debris remains in our neighborhoods and business areas, the longer we are living with fire and safety hazards. Removing storm debris improves residential and business neighborhood safety. It is also critical to businesses reopening and economic recovery.  

Temporary sites are necessary to process and ultimately remove debris from our community. Temporary sites will be diligently monitored for safety and compliance with environmental regulations. The debris removal strategy will continue to be dynamic and we will keep pivoting, when possible, as we are able to secure additional sites. We want to have as few impacts on neighborhoods and business areas as possible.

Safety will remain at the forefront of every decision and we remain committed to outreach and information sharing in residential and business neighborhoods near any temporary site. The activities at temporary sites include: debris staging, grinding, compacting and preparation for hauling to a permanent site outside of the city. No hazardous materials will be brought to temporary sites. Temporary sites will receive construction and demolition materials, appliances, electronics, vegetative material and household hazardous waste such as cleaning supplies, paint and batteries. Household hazardous waste will be contained at the sites.

Sites will be used exclusively by authorized City contractors and staff  to help speed up the cleanup process after the recent storms. Temporary storm debris management sites will not be open to the public for use.

Currently Permitted Sites

Note: Sites are only for use by City contractor. Residents and businesses can not bring debris to debris sites.

  • Hardesty Lane Site – This site is permitted to process all forms of debris and waste, including vegetative, construction, and demolition debris as well as appliances, electronics, and household hazardous waste. Household hazardous waste is not the same as toxic hazardous waste, which will not be processed any temporary debris sites.
  • Enka Commerce Park Site – This site is permitted to process storm debris. This site is not permitted to process household hazardous waste materials. 
  • 65 Ford Street – UPDATE: Beginning the weekend of November 22, crews will begin removing storm debris that has been stored at this location. Trucks will be active in this area for several days. Safety is our top priority – it is important to remember that the site is not open to the public and will not be in the future. Thank you for patience as this important work is completed.
  • Front 9 of the Municipal Golf Course – this site will only be used if needed. However, security and site prep measures such as fencing and access for heavy machinery will continue so the site is ready to be used, if needed. The City of Asheville has opened temporary storm debris management sites to properly dispose of storm debris. Storm debris removal is important for community safety and temporary debris sites are necessary to process and ultimately remove debris from our community, which is important for economic recovery and safety. 
  • Roger Farmer Park – The Roger Farmer Park is a permitted site but will not be used for debris management.
  • Julian Shoals – this site is permitted by the contractor and contractor is actively utilizing it for debris management

Residents in the areas around sites may notice increased activity, including:

  • Noise from wood chippers, compactors, and other heavy equipment during daylight hours.
  • Traffic from heavy-duty trucks traveling to and from the site.

Updates

February 12, 2025

You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Feb. 12, 2025 – Storm Debris Updates.


February 5, 2025

You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Feb. 5, 2025 – Storm Debris Updates.


January 21, 2025

Significant progress has been made in the ongoing storm debris collection efforts. Over 265,000 cubic yards of storm debris have been successfully collected from the right of way, ensuring safer and cleaner streets for our community. Additionally, more than 43,000 tons of mud and silt have been removed from right of way areas, highlighting the dedication and hard work of our crews in restoring normalcy.

Looking ahead, debris removal from waterways and private properties is scheduled to begin in February. This phase will focus on clearing debris to mitigate further environmental impact and enhance community safety.

Commercial and residential property owners are strongly encouraged to sign up for the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program. For more information on how to sign up for the PPDR program or to stay updated on debris collection efforts click here.


December 11

You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Dec. 11, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates.


December 9

You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Dec. 9, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates.


December 4

You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Dec. 4, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates.


December 2

You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Dec. 2, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates.


December 1

The City of Asheville urges all community members to refrain from illegal dumping during the ongoing recovery process. Dedicated contractors are actively working to collect all types of storm debris, including:

  • Vegetation of any size
  • Appliances
  • Construction and demolition materials
  • Bulky items

Illegal dumping diverts critical resources away from recovery efforts and significantly slows down cleanup progress. Proper disposal of storm debris and waste ensures resources are used efficiently, enabling the community to recover more quickly. If community members witness illegal dumping, please report it immediately through the Asheville App


November 25

You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Nov. 25, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates.


November 22

Beginning the weekend of November 22, crews will begin removing the storm debris stored at 65 Ford Street. Neighbors will see several trucks in action in the coming days. Community safety is our top priority, so please remember that this site is not open to the public and won’t be in the future. 

Work is still focused on public right of way cleanup and we continue to encourage all residents and businesses of Asheville to sort storm debris appropriately and move storm debris to the curb. 


November 20

You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Nov. 20, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates.


November 15

You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Nov. 15, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates


November 13

You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Nov. 13, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates


November 6

You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Nov. 6, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates


November 4

You can find the presentation from the Buncombe County briefing at this link: County Briefing – Nov. 4, 2024 – Storm Debris Updates


November 2

AshBritt will be re-opening up the Enka Site Saturday, November 2 and will set up their equipment on site.  AshBritt will be running 10 trucks in Asheville and hauling debris to Enka.  More information as to the locations AshBritt will be running to become more specific in the next week.


November 1

The City initially engaged a private contractor through a state contract to begin debris collection from critical infrastructure and roadways immediately after the storm. During this initial period, the City also submitted a request to FEMA to engage the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to assist with debris collection. This request process takes time.

FEMA has approved the City’s request for public assistance to utilize USACE for debris collection, and USACE is in the process of finalizing their contract terms with their debris collection contractor, AshBritt.


We've temporarily modified this page of the Asheville City website in order for visitors to more easily access information about Hurricane Helene. View Full Home Page Instead.