Helene aftermath: What happens to debris in North Carolina?

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on North Carolina, debris management has become an urgent and complex issue.

From fallen trees and damaged homes to contaminated floodwaters, the cleanup process involves more than just clearing clutter. It’s a multi-phase operation that must navigate environmental challenges, safety concerns and logistical obstacles.

Rinea Blanchard, owner of Superior Contract Cleaning, has led cleanup efforts in disaster zones. It includes cleanup in 2017 from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and from the devastation North Carolina faced after Hurricane Florence in 2018.

Blanchard said that mountainous regions hit hardest by Helene will face particularly tough conditions.

“Unlike flat terrain where floodwater spreads out, mountain floods funnel debris into narrow valleys,” she explained.

This phenomenon can create “debris dams” that concentrate contaminants, and when these break, they release waves of polluted water downstream, complicating efforts even further.

Sorting through debris: What can be salvaged?

Managing the massive amounts of debris generated by hurricanes is an intricate process. According to Nazli Yesiller, Director of the Global Waste Research Institute at California Polytechnic State University, the sheer variety and volume of debris are major hurdles.

“The types of materials generated include vegetative debris like downed trees, construction and demolition waste, vehicles, and infrastructure components,” Yesiller said. “Removing these materials quickly is critical, but it often exceeds local waste management capacity.”

While recycling and reuse are ideal, it’s not always feasible, particularly when materials are contaminated or mixed. Yesiller noted that the urgency of rescue and recovery operations typically means that separating and recycling waste takes a back seat to rapid disposal. “Unfortunately, most of the materials end up in landfills rather than being repurposed,” she said.

Mark Whitley, CEO of Whits Services Corporation, agrees that recycling debris is challenging, especially when dealing with hazardous materials. “Organic debris like fallen trees can be repurposed, but if it's been contaminated by chemicals or sewage, that’s a different story,” Whitley said.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is working with federal and local agencies to address the challenges posed by the debris influx. Katherine Lucas, Public Information Officer for DEQ’s Division of Waste Management, said in an email: “Debris can be taken directly to a disposal facility or consolidated at a DEQ-approved staging site where materials may be further sorted for processing, recycling, or disposal. This process allows municipalities to conserve landfill capacity and divert materials to composting or recycling where feasible.”

The DEQ has approved more than 50 temporary disaster debris sites across the state to manage the influx of waste. These sites serve as staging areas to sort debris, helping municipalities manage the volume of waste that exceeds local landfill capacities. However, these temporary sites can pose risks if not managed properly. They are often unlined, which can lead to leakage into soil and air, contributing to long-term environmental pollution.

"Large amounts of debris typically overwhelm local facilities, forcing jurisdictions to temporarily relax regulations, which isn’t always environmentally appropriate,” Yesiller said.

Climate change impacts and potential solutions

The environmental toll of improper debris management extends beyond immediate contamination concerns. Yesiller pointed out that large amounts of disaster debris, if left exposed or sent to landfills, release significant amounts of greenhouse gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. "Disasters are contributing to more climate change," Yesiller said, explaining that these emissions create a cycle where climate change leads to more severe weather events, which in turn generate more debris and emissions.

Lucas emphasized that vegetative waste is often processed and sent for reuse at compost facilities or landscaping supply companies, while other non-hazardous waste goes to lined municipal solid waste landfills. Still, construction and demolition debris might also be recycled or taken to specific facilities if available.

To mitigate these impacts, Yesiller suggested building more resilient structures that produce less debris and implementing source reduction strategies. “Direct reuse is also a top preference for waste management. If something can be repurposed or reused relatively easily, that is a significant advancement,” she said.

Debris management: A need for better planning

Experts stress that effective disaster debris management requires pre-planning and readiness. Mobile units for recycling construction waste, like concrete crushers, can be brought to affected areas if communities are prepared.

“Communities that plan ahead and have pre-designated personnel and equipment for managing debris are more likely to successfully recycle and reuse materials,” Yesiller said.

The recovery process for Helene is expected to take months, as restoration crews work to clear sites and manage waste responsibly. Out-of-state restoration companies are arriving in North Carolina to assist, as local crews are booked for months. "This is not a quick fix,” Whitley said. “It’s about ensuring every piece of waste is handled properly to minimize long-term environmental damage.”

Ultimately, experts say that building resilient structures and implementing pre-disaster planning are key steps for mitigating the environmental impacts of future storms.

“We have to build better and plan better,” Yesiller said, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions that protect both communities and the environment.