Following this month’s heavy rains and winds, neighborhoods around our region have lots of storm debris on the ground. Limbs and even entire trees fell during the storms. Houses, businesses, travel trailers, and outbuildings have been damaged by floods and winds.
As residents strive to restore order to their property, their first reaction is often to tear into damaged structures and throw away the building debris. But that material may contain asbestos – even new homes could have asbestos-containing materials in them. So, when 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 on our Asbestos & Demolition Notification page. The process to submit a required asbestos & demolition notification is fast and easy.
For downed trees, limbs, and other vegetation left behind by the storms, where it is legal to practice residential yard waste burning, ORCAA asks that homeowners refrain from burning until those debris piles dry out. They should 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 on ORCAA’s Outdoor Burning webpage.
If immediate disposal is required, residents should use one of the currently available alternative means of disposal. Curbside pick-up services are available in many areas. Chipping and composting services can also be used. You can find more details on alternatives to burning at ORCAA’s Outdoor Burning webpage or by calling your local waste disposal company.
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.