Charleston, South Carolina (WCBD) – In a clearing off Meeting Street Road, dump trucks load debris from Hurricane Ian and haul it to a landfill.
The City of Charleston has set a target date of November 14 when 95% of Storm waste will be collected in all areas of the city.
“It’s been tough,” said Matt Alltop, the city’s director of environmental services. “Roughly he thinks £6.4m of debris is being collected, which equates to around £400,000 per employee.”
The inner peninsula, James Island, Daniel Island, and West Ashley are all about 70% complete. Outer West Ashley and Johns Island are 100% complete, according to the city.
“Our staff are working hard to reach everyone as quickly as possible. They work six days a week. 11 and 12 hours a day,” Alltop said.
One of those drivers is William Sloan, who picked up debris during Hurricane Hugo and is working overtime to help Charleston.
“We do it for the public to get things and take them off the streets,” Sloane said. No problem.”
Cleanup comparison
- Hurricane Matthew – 82 days with 12 contractors
- Hurricane Dorian – 45 days with 25 contractors
- Hurricane Ian – estimated 45 days with 2 contractors
To keep the city on track for workers like Sloane to finish on time, there are a few things people have to do. Alltop says one of his first is patience.
“Make sure you sort your rubbish, because it has to go to two different landfills, which helps speed up the process,” says Alltop.
