ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — More than 1,100 Buncombe County property owners have applied to have disaster debris removed from their property at no cost through the Private Property Debris Removal Program. The program is designed to help qualified property owners who cannot move Helene disaster debris to the right of way for pickup and lack adequate debris removal insurance. The program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures.

Some documents will be required when you apply.

Apply online: Click here to apply online.

Apply in person at these locations:

  • Asheville Mall, 3 South Tunnel Road (same location as the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center), Asheville, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday. (These times adjust with the FEMA DRC’s)
  • Barnardsville Fire Department Station 15, 100 Dillingham Road, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
  • Swannanoa Fire Rescue, 510 Bee Tree Road, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
  • Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road, Fairview, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
  • Black Mountain Library, 105 N. Dougherty St., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

After applying and submitting all required documentation, the applicant will be contacted to schedule an inspection.

PPDR is different from public right-of-way debris collection. The Private Property Debris Removal Program addresses debris removal on private property, where crews enter to remove hazardous material. Public right-of-way debris collection, which does not require an application, involves residents placing debris at public right of ways for pickup.

Eligibility for the Private Property Debris Removal Program:

The program is available to property owners in unincorporated areas and cities within Buncombe County.

Eligible services include:

  • Removal of hazardous limbs, trees or other mixed debris caused by Tropical Storm Helene that is near a commonly used area or maintained areas of a property.
  • Removal of debris impacting a waterway.
  • The demolition and removal of a structure that is a health hazard, deemed unfit/unsafe, and may not be recoverable, or is in threat of collapse. This may include concrete slabs.

Non-eligible debris includes:

  • Debris on vacant lots, unimproved property and unused or unmaintained areas.
  • Debris on land used primarily for agricultural purposes, such as land for crops or livestock.

A Right of Entry form is legally required before contractors providing PPDR and/or demolition can access the owner’s private property. Participation is voluntary, and property owners may withdraw at any time before debris removal begins.

Important Details for Public Right-of-Way Debris Collection:

Public right-of-way debris removal is ongoing and does not require an application.

Residents should:

  • Separate debris by type (vegetative, construction, hazardous waste, etc.) and place it at the curb without blocking roadways or placing it near trees or structures.
  • Wear proper protective equipment when handling debris.

For questions about the Private Property Debris Removal Program, call the One Buncombe hotline at 828-250-6100 (select option 2) or visit an application center near you.