What Orange County picks up free after a storm
After a declared storm event, Orange County typically activates free curbside storm debris collection for vegetative debris — tree limbs, palm fronds, uprooted plants — for a limited window (usually 30–60 days).
The county picks up piles placed within 6 feet of the curb, not blocking sidewalks or storm drains. Vegetative debris must be separated from construction debris and household junk, or the pile is skipped.
What the county does NOT pick up
Almost everything a homeowner actually needs hauled after a storm falls outside county free pickup:
- Damaged furniture, mattresses, appliances
- Water-damaged drywall and flooring
- Roof shingles, tarps, and roofing debris
- Fence panels and construction debris
- Anything bagged (bags aren't opened at the truck)
- Piles that mix vegetation with any of the above
When to call a private hauler
Private storm hauling makes sense when: (1) you have interior damage — soaked furniture, ruined drywall, appliances that shorted; (2) the county window has closed but debris remains; (3) you're selling or renting the property and need it cleared before the next inspection; (4) you can't wait 30+ days for the county truck to get to your street.
How to prep for the next hurricane season
Central Florida's hurricane season runs June through November. Two weeks before a named storm approaches: clear your garage and shed of anything you don't need — the smaller your junk pile, the faster you can spot storm damage after. Trim palm fronds and low branches. Move fuel, chemicals, and pool supplies to interior storage.
Our dispatch tracks named storms and prioritizes storm-affected neighborhoods for the 72 hours after landfall.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can you respond after a hurricane?+
For declared storms, we run extended-hours crews for the first 72 hours after landfall in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. Same-day slots for water-damaged interiors are prioritized.
Do you take wet drywall and soaked carpet?+
Yes — that's exactly what our storm-response trucks are set up for. Wet materials count as standard construction debris, priced by load size.
Should I wait for the county free pickup or call you?+
For pure vegetative piles at the curb, the county is free — take it. For anything mixed, damaged, or interior, private hauling is worth it to get your property livable again this week, not next month.
