Hurricane Ike left behind an astounding 5.6 million cubic yards of debris in the Houston, Texas, area leaving the city with one big question. What should be done with all that wasted wood?
More than 70 percent of the debris has been collected at a record-breaking pace, but now the city is turning to the public for ideas on how to reuse the material.
Mayor Bill White announced Wednesday the start of a nationwide competition for additional ideas on how best to recycle the debris. They're looking for unique, large scale ways to make good use of the waste that is also cost effective.
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The city already has contracts with two local companies that will recycle nearly half of the waste. Some of it will be turned into mulch and landscaping compost.
"Composting, erosion control and fuel for boilers and electric generation are just some of the ideas we are pursuing," said Mayor White. "But we recognize that Houston is full of bright minds that can help us expand our options and we want to make use of that."
First prize will be rewarded with a $10,000 dollar prize. Second place will receive $5,000 and 3rd prize will receive $2,500. Prize money is being provided through a private donation.
The ideas must be submitted to the city of Houston, through the www.recycleIke.com Web site by midnight on Oct. 31.
While the clean-up has gone faster than expected, Oct. 26 is the deadline when federal money runs out for the clean-up. The city might have to pay for the remaining cost. In response, two additional drop off sites have opened for citizens who want to dispose of waste materials on their own.