Debris Removal Updates - NOV 20, 2024 - County Briefing

Buncombe County Debris Removal Update: A Summary for Residents

On November 20, 2024, a County Briefing was held to provide an update on the ongoing debris removal efforts following recent storms that impacted Buncombe County. This briefing, focused solely on debris removal, offered residents a detailed look at the progress being made and what to expect moving forward. While no formal decisions or votes were taken during this informational session, the update provided valuable insight into the scale of the operation and ongoing plans.

The primary focus of the briefing was to report on the substantial volume of debris already collected. Officials highlighted that Buncombe County has removed approximately 93,986.2 cubic yards of debris – a figure they illustrated by comparing it to roughly 4.5 football fields stacked ten feet tall. This comparison aims to help residents grasp the magnitude of the cleanup effort underway across Asheville and surrounding areas. A detailed breakdown was also provided regarding daily operations within Asheville, outlining the number of debris removal trucks deployed to each zone. Zones 3 (Downtown) and 4 & 5 (North and Northeast Asheville) currently have the highest concentration of resources, with nine trucks each.

A significant development announced during the briefing was the commencement of collection for appliances and "white goods," such as refrigerators, stoves, and water heaters. This expansion of the collection effort will further assist residents in clearing storm-related debris from their properties. Importantly, officials reiterated that the current focus remains on cleaning public rights-of-way – sidewalks, streets, and other areas accessible to the public. Residents and businesses are encouraged to continue sorting debris appropriately and placing it at the curb for collection, ensuring proper handling and disposal.

Looking ahead, contractors will continue their efforts to remove storm debris from public areas and now include appliance/white goods. This ongoing work is crucial for restoring normalcy to affected communities and ensuring the safety of residents. While this briefing didn't include any public comments or community input, it did provide a transparent overview of the resources being dedicated to debris removal and the operational plans in place. Residents can expect continued progress as contractors work diligently throughout Asheville and Buncombe County.