COLUMBIA, S.C. — Monday marks a major deadline for people in South Carolina, nearly three months after Hurricane Helene.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) said Monday, Dec. 16 is the deadline to get storm debris out to the curb.
The department is asking South Carolinians to place debris in the right of way on state-maintained roads for pick-up.
This is to help SCDOT crews expedite the cleanup process that still continues months after the storm.
Residents need to place things like fallen limbs, uprooted trees, and other types of debris curbside.
It should not block any roads or sidewalks and it should not be bagged.
SCDOT also said the debris should stay out of the way of mailboxes, fire hydrants, utility poles, and other structures because it can make removal difficult.
Since debris removal began in October, the department said nearly 1,800,000 cubic yards of debris have been collected across the state.
“This is one of the largest debris missions in the history of our agency. We want to reassure folks that we are coming to help," Rob Perry, SCDOT Deputy Secretary of Engineering, said. "We know we have properties in our hardest hit areas that are still waiting for the first pickup. We appreciate the patience of our community members as we work closely with our own maintenance forces and contract forces to clean up all of the mess that the storm left in our state.”
SCDOT said it expects to have debris picked up by the end of the year in the most impacted areas and will likely continue several weeks into the New Year.
Residents who are having trouble getting debris to the right of way due to limited road frontage or debris blocking the way are encouraged to call SCDOT directly at 855-467-2368.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
