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Council fields public comments on debris, DOT jurisdiction and bulk waste pickup after Hurricane Helene
Summary
Residents raised concerns about storm debris and repeated curbside dumping; council and staff explained jurisdictional limits with SCDOT, FEMA reimbursement rules and how bulk waste collection is scheduled and reported.
Several residents and council members raised debris, litter and bulk-waste pickup concerns stemming from damage and cleanup after Hurricane Helene. The council and city staff explained the distinction between city-maintained roads and state (SCDOT) roads, described FEMA reimbursement for debris removal and outlined how bulk waste collection is scheduled.
Resident Ella Williams told the council she had reported debris on Camelot Drive and asked who represents her neighborhood. "That is much needed over there," Williams said of the city's speeding enforcement on Camelot Drive and added concerns about debris being moved back into a yard after citizens placed it on the curb.
City staff said contracted crews have been making repeated passes on city-owned streets and that the state’s crews handle SCDOT-owned roads. Staff said FEMA has extended the reimbursement period for Helene-related debris removal through June, which has allowed the city to continue contracted removal work. Staff asked residents to report locations using the city’s customer service app, phone line or email.
Council members pressed for clearer public communication on bulk-waste rules and schedules. Staff explained bulk collection operates as a separate route that follows regular cart collection and that residents can request pickup of large nonhazardous items via the city’s app or service line so crews can schedule the bulk truck for the next working day.
Why it matters: confusion about jurisdiction and pickup schedules has led to repeated curbside material and resident frustration. Staff noted a backlog because regular green-waste collection was suspended for weeks immediately after Helene, creating higher volumes of material to collect and a multi-week recovery schedule.
Next steps: staff said they will note specific addresses cited during the meeting and continue to coordinate with SCDOT on state-owned roads. Council asked staff to clarify public guidance on bulk pickup days and improve neighborhood outreach.
