Pinellas County reminds residents that sand and sandbags that have been in contact with floodwaters may be contaminated with sewage or septic waste, animal waste, oil and gasoline residue, lawn chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, or other chemicals.
Caution should be used to avoid direct human contact when handling sand or sand bags, such as wearing gloves and a dust mask if there is loose or blowing material. Do not place used sand in or near bodies of water, playgrounds, sandboxes or other areas of direct human contact.
These quick tips can provide some guidelines on whether to keep or toss sandbags:
- Reuse – Sand that has not contacted floodwater can be stored or reused without restrictions. Empty sandbags may be placed in the household garbage.
- Reuse – Sandbags that have not contacted floodwater can be stored or reused without restrictions.
- Dispose – Sand or sandbags that are not contaminated by floodwater may be disposed of at the Pinellas County Solid Waste Landfill.
- Dispose – Sandbags that have been in contact with floodwater should be disposed of at the Pinellas County Solid Waste Landfill ($37.50/ton or flat rate for qualifying vehicles).