Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in coordination with FEMA and local CNMI partners, will begin residential debris removal next week and is urging storm-impacted residents across Saipan, Tinian and Rota, to prepare by sorting their storm debris and placing it safely at the roadside (or right-of-way) for pickup.
This interagency effort is essential to protecting public safety, restoring access to transportation routes, and supporting long-term rebuilding across the islands.
“Our teams are on the ground and fully committed to supporting the communities across CNMI during this critical time,” said Lt. Col. Adrian Biggerstaff, commander, USACE Recovery Field Office located in Saipan. “Working shoulder-to-shoulder with FEMA and our local CNMI partners, our priority is to safely and efficiently clear the hazards left in the wake of Typhoon Sinlaku, so these communities can recover.”
The debris removal mission focuses on the sorting, collection, and proper disposal of storm-related debris from public rights-of-way (ROW), critical infrastructure sites, and local neighborhoods to support recovery from Typhoon Sinlaku.
A village-by-village schedule will be announced soon through the FEMA-CNMI Joint Information Center.
Debris Sorting Guidance
To help crews work as quickly as possible, residents are asked to sort debris into the categories below and place it along the public right-of-way, ensuring it does not block the roadway, cover fire hydrants, or utility meters.
Separation Categories:
- Vegetative Debris (e.g., leaves, branches, logs)
- Large Appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves)
- Construction & Demolition Debris (e.g., drywall, lumber, roofing materials)
- Sheet Metal Debris (e.g., sheet metal, tin)
- Electronics (e.g., TVs, computers, radios, printers, solar panels)
- Household Hazardous Materials (HHM) (e.g., paint, oils, batteries, pesticides, chemicals)
Items not collected under this program
The following items will not be picked up as part of this debris removal mission:
- Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and regular household trash, including bagged trash, food waste, and paper goods
Residents should continue to use existing municipal or contracted trash services, as applicable, for regular household garbage.
If you have difficulty lifting or sorting debris, or if you are assisting our Man’amko (elders) with their cleanup, please contact CNMI Department of Public Works at (670) 235-9570 for support.
Safety around debris operations
USACE and FEMA urge the public to exercise extreme caution near debris piles and maintain a safe distance from heavy equipment and debris-hauling trucks operating in their villages. Ensure children stay clear of all work zones.
For the latest updates on the debris removal mission and Typhoon Sinlaku recovery efforts, please monitor official CNMI government and FEMA channels.