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Storms · Tips · 3 min read

Hurricane season and your trash bins: what to do before a storm

October 20, 2026

Trash bins stored in a garage as storm winds bend palm trees outside

THE SHORT ANSWER

Bring bins inside or secure them as soon as a storm watch is announced. Don't put them at the curb while strong winds are expected, and check your city's website or social pages for collection changes before and after the storm.

Empty bins are light and catch wind easily. In a strong storm, they can roll into cars, windows or the street.

Before the storm

  • Store bins in the garage or tie them to something solid.
  • Hold off on yard waste and bulk piles — loose debris can become dangerous.
  • Keep trash bagged and sealed indoors until service resumes.
  • Follow your city's announcements on collection changes.

After the storm

  • Wait for your city to confirm when collection restarts.
  • Separate storm debris from regular trash as your city instructs.
  • Check that bins aren't damaged before rolling them out.
Pickup schedules can shift for days after a storm. Your city's official channels are the best source.

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