Since Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, the FEMA-funded debris pickups in Buncombe County have ended. Whatever is still in a flooded basement, a gutted first floor or a damaged outbuilding is now the property owner’s job to haul out. Dumpster Rental Asheville delivers roll-off dumpsters for Helene cleanouts and rebuilds across Asheville, Swannanoa and Woodfin. Need it fast? See same-day delivery.
A lot of the calls we still get are from people who waited. The insurance claim took months, the contractor was booked through spring, or the house belonged to a parent. This page covers what matters on a flood cleanout now, in the order it matters.
Call (828) 392-3810 to get a dumpster on the way, or request a quote online.
Where are Helene rebuilds still going on?
The Swannanoa and French Broad rivers did the worst of the damage around Asheville. Swannanoa, Biltmore Village, the River Arts District and Woodfin along the French Broad took some of the heaviest flooding, and homes and businesses there are still mid-rebuild. Many of those buildings predate the 1980s, which matters for the asbestos rule below.
How do I clean out a flood-damaged house?
- Photograph everything first. Your insurance adjuster or assistance program may want proof of what was damaged. Once it’s in the dumpster, it’s gone.
- Check the asbestos rule before tearing out walls. Buncombe County Air Quality requires a permit before you demolish or remodel any building in the county, whatever its age. Suspect materials in older homes, like some insulation, pipe wrap and ceiling texture, need testing first, and asbestos can’t go in a roll-off.
- Pull wet materials fast. Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours of water getting in. Soaked drywall, insulation, carpet and pad come out first.
- Keep mud and river silt out of the box. Sediment is heavy and pushes you over the weight limit.
- Set aside what can’t go in. Refrigerators and AC units with refrigerant, fuels, chemicals, batteries and electronics need a separate drop-off. Buncombe County runs household hazardous waste collection for the chemicals.
What size dumpster do I need for flood debris?
| Job | Size |
|---|---|
| One room or a finished basement | 10-yard |
| One-floor gut-out: drywall, insulation, flooring | 15-yard (safer than a 20 for wet, heavy debris) |
| Whole-house contents and furniture | 20-yard |
| Full rebuild or several units | 30-yard, or scheduled swap-outs |
| Fallen trees and branches | Ask first: yard waste may need its own load |
Wet debris is the thing that catches people. Waterlogged drywall and carpet weigh far more than dry, so a box that looks half full can already be at its weight limit. Compare sizes in our dumpster size guide.
What can go in a Helene debris dumpster?
- Wet or moldy drywall, insulation, carpet, pad and flooring
- Damaged furniture and household contents
- Mattresses (per-item fee)
- Cabinets, trim, doors and damaged lumber
- Roofing and siding torn off after storm damage
Keep out: asbestos, liquid paint and chemicals, fuels, car batteries, appliances holding refrigerant, and TVs and computers.
Contractors running several Helene jobs
Ask about swap-outs. We pull the full box and drop an empty one in the same trip, so your crew doesn’t sit idle. Construction and demolition debris goes to the Buncombe County Landfill at 85 Panther Branch Road in Alexander, and the scale ticket from every load is available if a client or insurer needs it.
What does a Helene cleanout dumpster cost?
The same as any other rental. Typical Asheville rates run about $245 to $400 for a 10-yard and about $395 to $575 for a 20-yard for 7 days. The difference on flood jobs is weight, so ask how many tons are included. See our dumpster rental prices page.
Start your cleanout: call (828) 392-3810. Same-day delivery is usually available when you call before noon.
Frequently asked questions
Is there still free Helene debris pickup in Buncombe County?
The federal debris programs in Buncombe County have concluded. Check with the county or your town for any current help, but most remaining debris now needs private removal.
Can moldy drywall go in a regular dumpster?
Yes. Wet or moldy drywall, carpet and insulation can go in a construction debris dumpster once removed.
Do I need a permit to gut a flood-damaged house?
Demolition or renovation in Buncombe County needs a Buncombe County Air Quality permit, and older homes need asbestos testing first.
How fast can mold grow after flooding?
Mold can start within 24 to 48 hours of water getting in, so wet materials should come out as soon as it’s safe.
Can I put flooded appliances in the dumpster?
Not refrigerators, freezers or AC units that still hold refrigerant. Ask about other large appliances before loading them.
What size dumpster is best for a basement flood?
Usually a 10-yard for a finished basement, or a 15-yard if you’re gutting a full floor.