Practice safe, legal debris removal
Following this week’s heavy rains and wind, neighborhoods around our region have lots of storm debris on the ground. Limbs and even entire trees fell during the storms. The mess, though, creates another threat in the storms’ aftermath: the spread of air pollution.
As residents strive to restore order to their property, the first reaction is often to quickly burn woody debris from fallen trees and wind-tossed limbs. Unfortunately, that action creates significant air pollution. That wet, green wood will smolder rather than burn, creating vast plumes of smoke and ash.
ORCAA asks that homeowners simply pile their yard debris in a safe location on their property to let the woody material ‘cure’ (i.e., letting the insides of the wood dry out). If burning is allowed in your area, make sure to follow all rules and regulations for safe burning (see rules here Outdoor Burning – ORCAA)
If immediate disposal is required, residents should use one of the currently available alternatives means of disposal. Curbside pick-up services are available in many areas. Chipping and composting services can also be used. But there are also other alternatives to burning. You can find more details on alternatives to burning at ORCAA’s Outdoor Burning webpage or by calling your local waste disposal company.
If homes or other structures are damaged, property owners and residents should contact ORCAA before completing repairs or demolitions. The ORCAA Asbestos and Demolition notification program and forms are available at our Asbestos & Demolition Notification page.
Residents must also be aware that burning is NOT an option for the disposal of damaged household goods or building materials — including any lumber or wood products. Trash burning is always illegal throughout the state of Washington.
