City Grapples with Huge Post-Storm Debris Problem

SAN ANGELO, TX — After the massive thunderstorms that hit San Angelo the evening of June 24, the City of San Angelo set up three emergency debris drop-off sites, at the coliseum, San Angelo Stadium, and near Fisherman’s Road near Lake Nasworthy. Trash and debris piles at these sites have grown exponentially since clean up efforts have mostly ceased. The storms were over two weeks ago.

Littered in with the to-be-disposed tree limbs and brush are old couches and mattresses and other bulk trash items not necessarily the result of the storms. The temporary trash drop-off areas have become the new bulk trash collection areas for just about anything.

A video tour of the piles of trash and debris at San Angelo Coliseum. WATCH:
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City Operations Director Shane Kelton said the drop-off areas are about to become a relic of the past, but first he said, the City is looking for a contractor to shred the tree limbs and wood into mulch. “We are accepting emergency bids for a company to grind up all the tree limbs and debris,” Kelton said.

Kelton said the City has existing storage areas for mulch to use on City properties like its parks. He plans to add the mulch generated from the temporary drop-off locations to the City stockpile and save space in the landfill. Kelton said the City is offering the San Angelo ISD access to as much of the mulch as the district wants.

As for the old furniture, Kelton said the temporary drop-off locations were abused. As the City begins to clean up the areas, expect illegal dumpers to be stopped.

Ray Grothaus, regional general manager for Republic Services, said San Angeloans should utilize the bulk drop-off facilities at the landfill, or every-other-week bulk pickup. "We responded with emergency roll off deliveries and service, and are helping the citizens at the landfill and on our bulk routes to clean up after the storm. Storms like this remind us how great of a City we live in with the overwhelming response by friends and neighbors. Republic Services also is standing by should the City or citizens need any further assistance,” he said.