Sioux Falls Regional Sanitary Landfill Offering Free Debris Drop-Off for Flood Victims

I was really lucky last Thursday. I didn't get a drop of water in my house on the night Sioux Falls was hit with another one of those 100 year rains, that seem to happen about every 5-years now.

If you're like me, as you drive around Sioux Falls and witness all the carnage resulting from last Thursday nights flash flooding, your heart has to hurt for all the people who did receive water damage to their homes.

I was amazed to see the extent of some of the damage to people's homes throughout the city.

• How to Clean and Disinfect After Flooding

Carpet, carpet pads, furniture, doors, cherished belongings scattered all over their yards. Lost in just a matter of minutes as a wall of water invaded their homes in what seemed like a never ending rain storm.

If you were one of the unfortunate ones, the Sioux Falls Regional Sanitary Landfill is allowing people hit by the flood to drop off debris and damaged items at the landfill until September 12, 2015 at no cost.

Mark Cotter, director of Public Works in Sioux Falls says, “It is important to begin home cleanup efforts as soon as possible, before water‑damaged items become a health concern. We want to assist with that process by waiving landfill entry fees for homeowners working to dispose of storm-related household debris.”

Examples of some of the items that can be dropped off at the landfill include; damaged carpet, sheetrock and furniture.

The Sioux Falls health department also wants to remind residents cleaning up flood debris of the health risks caused by flooding. People handling cleanup efforts should always wear rubber gloves, boots and goggles in affected areas, remove and throw away any drywall or insulation that has water damage and to clean hard surfaces with water and dish soap.

It's also very important to keep children and pets away from damaged areas as cleanup work is going on. Dehumidifiers, air-conditioners and fans should be used to help dry out affected areas.

In addition, all food that has come in contact with flood water should immediately be thrown away. Canned food that was not damaged can be salvaged by removing the label, washing the can and disinfecting it with bleach water.

The landfill is located at 26750 464th Avenue in Hartford and is open Monday through Saturday between 7:30 AM and 5 PM.

Remember, all drop-offs must be covered with tarp and have to be smaller than five cubic yards, otherwise the standard fee will be enforced.

Source: Argus Leader