June 1, 2020 – Residents are reminded that all debris at the curb should be considered contaminated by flood waters and should also be considered hazardous. Flood waters often contain numerous infectious pathogens, chemicals, and sewage. Handling items that have been covered in flood waters can cause illness.
Debris at the curb for collection should not scavenged or removed from the curb by anyone other than the property owner, someone designated by the property owner, or a City of Midland debris collection crew. In the City of Midland, scavenging during a declared City emergency is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.
Residents with flood debris at the curb are encouraged to mark items with spray paint to discourage scavenging.