Debris Removal

Private Property Owner

Debris Removal from private property is the responsibility of the individual property owner, aided by insurance settlements and assistance from volunteer agencies. Most insurance policies have specific coverage for debris removal and demolition of heavily damaged structures. FEMA assistance is not available to reimburse private property owners for the cost of removing debris from their property; however, an eligible local or state government may pick up and dispose of disaster-related debris placed at the curb by those private property owners. Generally, the extent and duration of this type of work is carefully controlled. FEMA, state and local officials will agree on a time frame during which pick-up from the curb will be eligible for Public Assistance funding.

FEMA Public Assistance: Category A - Debris Removal

An applicant must be a state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT), or a certain type of private nonprofit organization (PNP)

Debris Clearance and Removal Operations Debris removal operations generally occur in two phases:

1. initial debris clearance activities necessary to eliminate life and safety threats; and
2. debris removal activities as a means to recovery.

Whether the work was performed using an applicant’s own resources or by contractors, documentation is necessary for Public Assistance grant consideration.

An applicant’s initial response phase of the debris operation may begin during the disaster event. Crews may be activated to clear debris on emergency access roads; usually this is vegetative debris that is cut and tossed to the rights-of-way. The purpose is to eliminate an immediate threat to lives, and public health and safety. The transition period from initial clearance activities to debris removal depends on the magnitude of disaster impact.

Typically, the debris removal recovery phase begins after the emergency access routes are cleared and police, firefighters, and other first responders have the necessary access. 

Often residents begin clearing disaster debris from their properties and placing it on the public rights-of-way. If the property owners move the disaster-related debris to a public right-of-way, an applicant may be reimbursed for debris pickup, haul and disposal from the right-of-way for a limited period of time. If an applicant does not have the legal responsibility to maintain a right-of-way, then debris removal from that right-of-way is not eligible for reimbursement. 

An applicant may conduct debris operations in any manner it deems appropriate. However, only costs associated with applicants, facilities, and work deemed eligible according to FEMA eligibility criteria and complying with special consideration requirements are reimbursed under the Public Assistance Program. 

Applicants are encouraged to develop a debris management plan that considers large-scale debris removal and disposal operations. By developing a debris management plan, communities will be better prepared to address disaster-related debris in a time-efficient manner, expediting the recovery process. Additionally, a sound and properly executed debris management plan may better position an applicant for Public Assistance grant assistance. 

If the debris on private business property is so widespread that public health, safety or the economic recovery of the community is threatened, the actual removal of debris from the private property may be eligible. In such situations, the work normally must be done or be contracted for by an eligible applicant.