Hurricane Helene - Asheville North Carolina

      Cruz Disposal is proud to have been a part of Asheville’s journey toward recovery. Our team worked tirelessly to assist in post-storm debris removal across the city, partnering with local and national organizations to restore public safety, clear major routes, and help neighborhoods heal.

      Our deployment to Asheville began with Right-of-Way (ROW) cleanup operations, where we initially contracted under Lufkin Environmental. This project included removing black bag debris—the first critical step in clearing household waste and storm-damaged materials in the aftermath of the disaster. Working through the cold winter months of December and January, our crews faced a number of challenges, from navigating our grapple trucks through tight residential streets, to dealing with low-hanging power lines that required constant awareness and coordination, to snow and steep mountain roads. Traffic control was another vital safety element, especially in high-traffic areas where both vehicle and pedestrian safety had to be carefully managed throughout each operation.

      Once the black bag projects was complete, we contracted under RPF Emergency Services, where our focus shifted to the removal of vegetation(VEG) and construction and demolition(C&D) debris. These materials—tree limbs, brush, drywall, furniture, and scattered debris—posed both safety risks and environmental concerns, and required a coordinated, large-scale response. Some of the most difficult scenes we encountered involved entire households set on the the curb. Seeing personal belongings, furniture, and memories actively being put on the curb made the reality of the disaster sink in. It was a strong reminder of why this work matters—not just to clean up, but to help people begin again.

      Our efforts were strengthened through close collaboration with our trusted partners, Dump My Debris, and A1 Goodfellas, whose crews worked alongside ours to cover more ground and maximize impact. Together, we maintained high standards of safety, professionalism, and respect for the AVL community.

We were honored to work in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and AshBritt, two key organizations leading the larger federal and state-managed recovery effort. Their leadership and logistical support helped ensure our crews could operate efficiently and contribute meaningfully to the overall mission.

      The challenges were great, but so was the sense of purpose. Cruz Disposal is not just in the business of hauling debris—we’re in the business of helping communities recover, rebuild, and rise again. Asheville’s resilience and gratitude inspired our teams daily, and we’re proud to have played a part in restoring this remarkable city.

      As we return to readiness for the next call, we carry forward the lessons and relationships built in Asheville—and remain committed to showing up when it matters most.