North Texas Area Tornados: Dealing with Debris
Much of this information is focused on the tornados in North Texas in May 2013. If you suffered damage from another tornado or similar storm, call the TCEQ regional office that serves your county.
Follow these guidelines to dispose of tornado wastes properly:
- Think recycling first!
- Manage debris properly.
- If it isn't recyclable, find an appropriate landfill.
If you have questions, contact the TCEQ regional office that serves your county. Also, be sure to check with local authorities for their guidance.
Think Recycling First!
Much of the metal, brick, and other debris left in a tornado's track might be recyclable.
Before you haul anything to a recycling center, call to find out:
- What materials they will accept
- Whether they will accept materials damaged by a storm
- Whether they charge a fee for recycling (This depends on the material and its condition. If the material is valuable enough, they might pay you for it.)
Start with this list of recyclers who accept construction and demolition debris, from Time To Recycle, a website of the North Central Texas Council of Governments. 
Managing Your Debris
Cleaning Up Debris
Remember some of the debris could be recyclable. Follow these guidelines to separate debris according to type and dispose of it properly:
- Managing Debris from the May 2013 Tornados
- Request for Approval of Temporary Debris Management Site—This form is used by local authorities to ask for permission to set up debris-collection stations.
See list of landfills below.
For more information about debris management, call the TCEQ Debris Hotline at 800-687-7057.
Outdoor Burning in Texas
The TCEQ offers this publication (RG-49) to help you interpret the Outdoor Burning Rule (30 TAC 111.201-221).
Find an Appropriate Landfill
Many wastes can and should be taken to the landfill.
Active municipal solid waste landfills accepting waste in North Central and Northeast Texas:
View North Texas: Landfill Disposal Options for Debris from Tornado Damage on 5/15/2013 in a larger map
