BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Boca Raton residents are being urged to prepare their homes and properties before hurricane season begins June 1, with the city adding extra bulk and vegetation pickup days in May and June to help clear debris before storms threaten South Florida.
The City of Boca Raton’s Sanitation Services department will provide additional bulk and vegetation pickup beginning May 20 as part of its seasonal storm preparation push. The city is asking residents to trim trees, clean out garages, carports and storage areas, and remove loose items from their properties before the busiest part of storm season arrives.
The timing matters. Once a storm is named, the city says residents should not cut trees, begin major yard work, start construction projects that create debris, or clean out garages and storage areas. That material can become a hazard if it is left outside when tropical storm or hurricane-force winds reach the area.
The city is also trying to avoid overwhelming sanitation crews and collection systems. Extra pickup service is being added before hurricane season so residents can get debris out early, not all at once when a storm is already approaching.
Residents should check their regular residential curbside collection schedule and the city’s additional pickup dates. Anyone unsure whether their home is served by City of Boca Raton sanitation can review the city’s sanitation collection area map. Questions can also be directed to Sanitation Services at 561-416-3367.
Ahead of a storm, residents are encouraged to cut back trees from buildings and power lines, thin foliage so wind can move through branches, and clear properties of items that could become dangerous in high winds. That includes old lumber, broken lawn furniture and other loose materials that could threaten homes, vehicles or neighbors.
Garages and storage areas should also be cleaned before a storm is in the forecast. The city notes those spaces may be needed later to store outdoor furniture, garbage containers and other items that must be moved inside before a storm arrives.
Once a storm is named, the guidance changes. Residents should stop major yard work and construction-related cleanup, secure garbage containers or bring them inside before the storm, and monitor city communication channels for updates on when regular sanitation service will stop.
After a storm, the city’s first priority is clearing roadways so emergency vehicles and residents can move safely through the community. Household garbage pickup will be restored as soon as possible, but storm debris removal can take weeks or months depending on the severity of the storm.
Residents cleaning up after a storm should keep household garbage, recycling, vegetative debris and construction debris in separate piles. Debris should be placed away from electrical lines, overhanging trees, water meters, mailboxes and fire hydrants. For safety, garbage and debris should not be placed in the road.
The city is also encouraging residents to sign up for Alert Boca emergency notifications before hurricane season begins. The system sends emergency alerts from the City of Boca Raton and the Boca Raton Police Department by text message, email, pager or voice mail in extreme cases, depending on each resident’s preferences.
Residents can sign up for Alert Boca online or by texting AlertBoca, with no space, to 38276. The city says the system is used to share important information during severe storms and hurricanes, along with updates on city projects, meetings, events and other local matters.
Residents can also stay connected through the city’s monthly City Connection newsletter and the My Boca app, which allows users to report concerns, check beach conditions, pay water bills and access other city services.
With hurricane season beginning June 1, the city’s message is straightforward: clear debris early, know your pickup schedule, sign up for alerts and avoid waiting until a storm is already on the map.
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