Oregon environmental, emergency officials share safety tips for cleaning up flood debris

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – After recent storms and flooding across the state, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon Department of Emergency Management are sharing important safety tips for cleaning up disaster debris.

Following these guidelines can help protect your health, your neighbors and the environment. Cleaning up after a disaster can be overwhelming. Whether you're dealing with fallen trees, damaged furniture or household hazardous materials, knowing how to safely handle debris is critical for your safety and your community’s recovery.  

Also, a reminder, Harney County has a staffed hotline to call with questions related to the floods at 541-589-0112. You're asked to please only call 911 for life-threatening emergencies or visit their website. 

Stay Safe During Cleanup 

• Wear protective gear like waterproof gloves, eye protection, boots, and a N95 or respirator mask (especially if you're handling mold, dusty materials or potentially hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead). 

• Floodwaters in Harney County were contaminated with E. coli and Coliform. Avoid direct contact with debris that was in floodwater and always wear gloves and wash your hands often with hot water and soap to prevent the spread of illness.  

Start With Rotten Waste 

• Remove spoiled food, household garbage, and dead animals first. 

• Keep different types of debris separated if possible—this helps with proper disposal and recycling. 

• Remember, SNAP benefits lost or destroyed as a result of March flooding can be replaced. You have until April 15, 2025, to request replacement.   

• Information in English and Spanish  

Be Cautious Around Hazardous Materials 

• If you find chemicals, fuel containers, paint cans, or anything that could be toxic, set them aside safely and contact DEQ or your county’s hazardous waste team for help. 

• If a container is leaking or the contents are unknown, call the Oregon Emergency Response System at 800-452-0311 right away. 

Watch Out for Asbestos 

• Some older homes or buildings may contain asbestos in insulation, flooring, or siding. If you’re not sure, contact a licensed asbestos contractor or a DEQ expert before removing materials. 

• Homes or buildings built before 2004 may contain asbestos in insulation, flooring, or siding, and require an asbestos survey prior to the removal of asbestos waste. If you’re unsure, contact a licensed asbestos contractor or a DEQ expert before removing materials. 

• Residents who choose to remove asbestos from their own homes should keep it damp or wet before removing and wear respirators, tie-back suits, and gloves to protect against inhaling or skin contact. Once removed, it should be properly sealed, labeled and taken to a facility that accepts asbestos waste. 

• For questions about asbestos in Eastern Oregon (Harney County) contact: DEQ’s Erik Shafer at 503-688-0493. 

Flood Debris Is Not Hazardous Waste 

• Debris that has touched floodwater can go to approved landfills like the Burns-Hines Disposal site. It is not considered hazardous unless it contains chemicals or asbestos. Visit the ODEQ site for a more complete list of hazards. 

• Dumpster diving and salvaging from debris piles is discouraged as you don’t know what chemicals or bacteria may be present in the dumpster or pile. 

• The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is providing up to $40,000 in landfill fee coverage at C&B Sanitary. This fee waiver is only for residents disposing of flood debris, and anyone choosing to take advantage of it will be asked to provide information about where the debris came from. This fee waiver is only available while funding lasts.   

Skip the Burn Pile 

• Open burning of debris is dangerous and not recommended. Smoke can carry harmful particles that affect your lungs and health. 

• Instead, chip or grind yard debris and clean wood for reuse or composting. Burning is only allowed with DEQ approval and an emergency permit. 

Free Cleanup Supplies and Disposal Sites in Harney County 

• Residents can pick up cleaning supplies at DES Emergency Cleanup Supplies, located at 320 Snow Mountain Pine Lane, Hines. 

• Homes that have been affected by the flood and are beginning to clean up can take flood debris to C&B Sanitary, open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

• There are dumpsters located at Washington Park in Burns. 

• Batteries can be disposed of at Les Schwab on 179 Hines Blvd., Burns and NAPA Auto Parts on 402 W Monroe St., Burns. 

• More flood-debris disposal instructions from Harney County Emergency Management. 

Spills or Reporting Hazardous Materials 

• For spills or urgent help with hazardous materials, call Oregon Emergency Response System at 800-452-0311. 

• For water or air quality concerns, call 800-452-4011 and ask for DEQ. 

• Use the Hazardous Material Reporting Tool if you have debris you know to be hazardous. 

• For questions about hazardous waste in Eastern Oregon (Harney County) contact: DEQ’s Laurie Gordon, 541-408-7842.