The initial and final pass to collect Hyde County mainland storm debris began on Friday, October 28, 2016 and it is currently ongoing. Hyde County officials urged all mainland residents to place their storm debris on the roadside by no later than Tuesday, October 25, 2016. If you have not staged your debris for retrieval, as instructed, the time to do so is now.

The initial pass to collect Ocracoke storm debris was completed on Thursday, October 27, 2016. Based on the volume of mainland debris, it is anticipated that the second and final Ocracoke debris collection pass will begin on Monday, November 7, 2016. Ocracoke residents need to have their storm debris staged for the second and final collection pass by Friday, November 4, 2016.

There are several things to keep in mind when preparing your storm debris for retrieval:

* The debris contractor will not collect storm debris on private property, however private roads on Ocracoke have been deemed eligible for this event only.

* Debris should be separated by type (i.e. vegetative, construction and demolition, white goods, etc.) Attached, please find instructions detailing how your debris should be separated and placed within the NCDOT right-of-way to be retrieved.

* Household hazardous waste, white goods, and electronics require specialized handling, so therefore, removal may be delayed.

* Reconstruction debris (any debris produced after the initial tear out) is not eligible for retrieval. Contractors need to make arrangements to transport reconstruction debris to the appropriate disposal site.

* Businesses need to consult with their insurance companies before placing storm debris out for collection, as commercial debris removal and disposal is often covered by your business' insurance policy.

Citizens may transport their storm debris to the County operated convenience sites or you can place it on the shoulder of the NCDOT right-of-way, as outlined in the diagram provided. The Swan Quarter and Engelhard convenience sites will accept your vegetative storm debris. Please do not transport your debris to the Temporary Debris Storage Sites (TDSS) on the mainland or Ocracoke Island.

We would like to thank the citizens of Hyde County for their adherence to the separation guidelines and your compliance has been a model for communities across the State!

Please maintain awareness and monitor for further updates from Hyde County Public Information, as new recovery
programs and services are being announced frequently.