The city of Windsor, ON is now offering a special garbage pick-up service to residents following recent heavy rainfall and flooding in the area – with residents without insurance qualifying.

Last week, portions of Windsor-Essex saw over 100mm of rain, which flooded numerous basements. Due to the damage to properties, the city has offered residents without insurance – or those who choose not to file a claim – the chance to co-ordinate a garbage pick-up with the city to dispose of any water-damaged items. Residents can call 311 to book an appointment.

“Basement floods are just terrible and the City of Windsor is working hard to implement our $4.9 billion sewer master plan which will dramatically reduce basement flooding issues,” Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens said in a release.

“While we implement this plan, we are here to help residents in any way we can, including a special pick-up of damaged household goods.”

CBC News reported that the special garbage collections are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Flood damaged items that can be disposed include couches, rugs (which must be cut and bundled in 1.2-meter lengths), furniture, and building materials.

Certain items are not permitted for pick-up, such as appliances, electronics, or metal items. Household chemical waste, paint cans, and other chemicals can also not be disposed of through the service.

The city has encouraged homeowners to apply for Windsor’s basement flooding subsidy program, which subsidizes the cost of projects such as installing a sump pump, backwater valves, and so on.