HOUSTON – The cleanup effort is underway, and the city’s solid waste trucks and workers are out loading up huge piles of debris.
Waste Management has identified 17 in-need apartments, and workers are putting dumpsters out to collect trash.
They are paying attention to removing debris from places where water can pool due to Zika virus concerns.
When flooding hit the Rock Bridge Springs Apartments, the water rose quickly.
Now with the cleanup in full swing, renters are happy to see the smelly, wet debris and trash being moved out.
"It’s a good thing because people have to maneuver; we have to maneuver. People have to work; we have to work," resident Joshua Lowe said.
Twenty city trucks are out hauling away debris in hard-hit areas.
Mayor Sylvester Turner loaded up a few bags himself.
He says most apartment complex owners are taking care of their renters, but he’s got a message for anyone who tries to force them to pay for the cleanup.
“What I've said to apartment owners: if you are forcing people to pay for cleanup or collect rent, then I will utilize power to assume control of what's happening in this area,” Turner said. "My job is to project the people."
Turner has assigned people to stay in the affected areas and be an advocate for flood victims.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE WATER LEVELS IN YOUR AREA
Turner also said that around 200 apartments are currently uninhabitable and that the city will work with neighborhood centers to get help for people.
The people who live in these places say getting this stuff gone is the first step in repairing their lives, which were thrown off track by the historic rainfall and damage.
In addition to solid waste trucks, the city is also putting dumpsters in some areas to speed up the cleanup.
The city is providing free tetanus shots to people who have contacted flood waters, primarily offering the shot to people in shelters.
Turner also said the storm relief fund has reached well over $1 million -- donated from businesses and individuals.
Mayor Turner helped load flood trash and debris into solid waste trucks after his news conference. pic.twitter.com/bgfA2EhKq5
— Jace Larson, KPRC (@jacelarson) April 22, 2016
Beginning Saturday, the city will begin storm debris collection in the neighborhoods impacted by flooding. This includes the following areas:
• Alabonson
• Chateau Forest
• Kempwood/Bingle, Hollister
• Larchmont
• Link Meadow
• Linkwood
• Meyerland
• Spring Branch, Blalock, Gessner, Hemstead
• Westbury
The City asks residents to help by separating everything into the following six categories:
• Normal Household Trash - Normal household trash and bagged debris of any kind will not be picked up with debris as part of this program. You should continue to follow your normal garbage schedule.
• Vegetative Debris – leaves (do not put in bags), logs, plants, tree branches
• Construction & Demolition Debris – building materials, carpet, drywall, furniture, lumber, mattresses, and plumbing
• Appliances & White Goods – air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers and water heaters
• Electronics – computers, radios, stereos, televisions, other devices with a cord
• Household Hazardous Waste – cleaning supplies, batteries, lawn chemical, oils, oil-based paints, stains and pesticides
The city also asks residents to not place debris piles near other objects like fire hydrants and mailboxes or under power lines or low hanging branches that would interfere with the collection equipment.
The city is also continuing to help with debris removal from inside 17 privately-owned apartment complexes in the Greenspoint area.