Tropical Storm Debby was a stark reminder of our responsibility to prepare for the storm season. In less than a year, we can accumulate a significant amount of waste that, if not correctly secured or disposed of, will potentially damage personal property and the delicate Florida Keys ecosystem.
These items are often found under houses, sheds, storage areas or under the sink. The materials include yard debris, chemicals, batteries, light bulbs, old electronics and tires.
Monroe County Solid Waste supports our preventive efforts, offering opportunities for residents to properly dispose of materials that can harm our environment, communities and homes. Some collections are even free. Remember, most waste materials cannot be placed in the curbside trash or recycling tote, so your role is crucial in protecting our environment. The consequences of not securing waste during a storm can be severe, leading to property damage, environmental pollution, and potential health hazards.
Hazardous waste, e-waste, batteries and light bulbs
Hazardous household waste includes paints, gasoline, oils, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, cleaners and other chemicals. Batteries for automobiles and marine vehicles, construction equipment, cell phones, laptops, vape pens, lithium-ion, nickel and lead batteries cannot be placed in the curbside trash. Electronic waste includes computers, printers, televisions and cellular phones. Fluorescent light bulbs, including CFLs, contain mercury and cannot be disposed of at the curbside. Monroe County Solid Waste transfer stations accept residents’ light bulbs, batteries and electronic waste free of charge during regular business hours. Residents’ household hazardous waste is accepted free during a scheduled collection. For the household hazardous waste collection schedules and transfer station locations, visit monroecounty-fl.gov.
Secure Landscape
Residents should secure lawn furniture, ornaments and potted plants and remove shade canopies to prepare for the storm season. Also, yard waste can blow around and cause significant damage. Dan at Tarzan Tree Service advises trimming branches away from buildings and power lines and removing all loose debris in the landscape. If you have coconut palms, be sure to remove all fruit.
“According to the International Society of Arboriculture, tree limbs should be trimmed below the roof line. Canopy trees and other dense trees should be thinned out, allowing wind to flow through the branches to avoid the umbrella effect,” said Clark.
If your yard waste does not meet curbside yard waste collection requirements, it can be received for a fee at the transfer stations during regular business hours. The free collections do not cover this service.
Tire waste
With rising waters, tires can float into the mangroves and waterways, damaging marine habitats and leaching toxins into our environment. They are also a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. The tires provide collected water and plant matter as food for the mosquitoes and protect the larvae until hundreds or thousands of mosquitoes hatch.
“Old tires are a favored habitat for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is known to carry numerous illnesses including dengue fever, yellow fever and zika,” said Chad Huff, spokesman for the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District.
Monroe County Solid Waste offers residents free tire recycling events. This is a convenient and cost-effective way to contribute to environmental protection. The tires will be hauled to American Tire Recycling in Miami, where they are processed into granules for repurposing. This process not only prevents the tires from becoming environmental hazards but also contributes to the circular economy. The tire collections are free with proof of Monroe County residency and include Marathon, Key West and Islamorada residents, who may recycle up to six passenger tires, 20 inches or smaller. Tires with rims are accepted.
The collection is at the Monroe County transfer stations, excluding the City of Key West transfer station. This is an excellent opportunity for you to make a difference in our community, and collection dates are scheduled as below:
- Saturday, Sept. 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and work to protect ourselves and our beautiful Florida Keys. Remember, no matter how small, every action you take significantly affects our environment. By properly disposing of waste and participating in recycling events, you are making a tangible difference in the health and beauty of our community. Your commitment to these actions is crucial in preserving the unique ecosystem of the Florida Keys.
