PACIFIC JUNCTION, Iowa (KMTV) — As property owners in Pacific Junction and Mills County sift through their homes to rebuild their lives, mountains of trash are piling up on the streets. Some residents have more to throw away, but aren't sure when it'll be picked up.
Emergency Management in Mills County is calling in the Iowa Department of Transportation to remove heaps of trash piling up outside of flood ridden homes. Flood debris removal from residential properties within the flood affected areas of unincorporated Mills County and Pacific Junction is expected to start Wednesday.
Debris must be sorted into the following categories:
- Vegetative debris - Tree branches, leaves, logs & plants. Do not bag this material.
- Construction/Demolition material - Carpet, drywall, furniture, lumber, mattresses, plumbing materials (including but not limited to tubs, showers, toilets, sinks, vanities, shingles and tiles.
- Appliances - Air conditioners, refrigerators, furnaces, freezers, stoves, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers.
- Electronics - Computers, televisions, stereos, radios, and other devices with an electrical cord.
- Household hazardous waste - Cleaning supplies, lawn chemicals, oils, oil-based paints and stains, pesticides.
If the debris is not sorted properly the debris will not be collected and disposed of by IDOT, the county, or the city and shall remain the sole responsibility of the property owner. Collection will last 10 to 14 days starting Wednesday.
If more trash needs to be picked up after the 10 to 14 days, Emergency Management in Mills County will put out an request for proposal for a contractor to keep hauling away trash.
