Public Right-of-Way Debris Removal Deadline Approaching

 
   

For Immediate Release
February 21, 2025

Public Right-of-Way Debris Removal Deadline Approaching

After four months of ongoing debris pick up on the public rights-of-way in unincorporated Buncombe County, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been tasked to remove public right-of-way debris by April 1, 2025.

With this goal in mind, residents of unincorporated Buncombe County should place storm debris on the public right-of-way by March 1, 2025 to ensure their debris is picked up.

Crews with USACE contractor AshBritt have picked more than 1,000,000 cubic yards of debris on the public right-of-way in unincorporated Buncombe County.

Guidelines for debris placement:

  • Place debris within 10 feet of the public right-of-way separated by categories.
  • Keep debris away from power lines, trees, fire hydrants, and curbside trash carts.
  • Do not block roadways—trucks and emergency vehicles need access.
  • Wear proper safety gear if handling debris: gloves, masks, sturdy shoes, and safety glasses.
  • Residents should not bring debris to the landfill—mud and soil are not accepted.

If residents miss the March 1 deadline or are unable to move debris on their properties, they may be eligible to have debris removed from their property for free through the Private Property Debris Removal program. Through this program, eligible property owners can provide right-of-entry for crews to remove debris at no cost.

Applications can be submitted by April 15 online, by phone at 828-250-6100, and in-person at intake centers at:

  • Barnardsville Fire Department Station 15, 100 Dillingham Rd., Wed.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Swannanoa Fire Rescue, 510 Bee Tree Road, Wed.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road, Fairview, Monday-Friday., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Co-located with the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center)
  • Black Mountain Library, 105 N Dougherty St., Wed-Sat. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents who have not had any debris removed from their public right-of-way since October 2024 should call the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100 for assistance.

Note: The Private Property Debris Removal program, waterway, and vehicle and tank debris removal is ongoing and are not included in this March 31 deadline.

Residents with questions can call the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100, open Monday- Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.