SLO County offering free debris disposal sites for residents affected by storm

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. – San Luis Obispo County is now offering residents a place free of charge to dispose debris caused by recent rain storms.

There are several collection sites located in the county including Nipomo, Oceano, Avila Beach, Santa Margarita and Creston.

"The county wanted to provide this service because so many people have debris from the storms," said Rachel Dion, San Luis Obispo Emergency Services Coordinator. "We wanted to make sure that it was being deposited appropriately, abiding by state and federal environmental regulations, so this allows us to provide a free and safe way to deposit your debris and we are being environmentally friendly."

Only accept storm-related debris will be accepted at the sites, which will operate through Saturday, Jan. 28. These sites will be open beginning at 8 a.m. and will close at noon.

"The demand is definitely there," said Dion. "Some of our sites are seeing more action than others, our sites in South County especially. Oceano saw a lot of flooding damage, so some sites more than others, but we're pretty much seeing debris being deposited at all different locations."

According to the county, due to state and federal regulations, debris will need to be sorted into the following categories by staff, but residents do not need to pre-sort their debris:

• Recyclables
• Organic/yard debris (soil not allowed)
• Furniture and Mattresses
• Appliances (except those categorized as E-waste)

Household hazardous waste, E-waste and soil are not currently accepted at the free collection sites. Instead, the county is directing residents who have those items to a several other locations in the county. 

While there are a number of sites already in operation throughout the county, additional locations may become available in the near future.

"If the community has any additional needs for sites, please contact the Office of Emergency Services," said Dion. "You can contact us on our Recover SLO website or via our social media. We are trying to put bins where the community needs them, so if there at any additional needs let us know."

For more information on San Luis Obispo County storm debris removal resources, including where to dispose items not accepted at the free sites, click here.