Storm debris pickup will begin in Cedar Rapids next week as the process of tree debris removal continues throughout the city. I'll give you an update on the removal of tree debris later in this story, but let's begin with the collection of storm debris.

The City of Cedar Rapids has announced storm debris removal will begin on Monday, August 31. The city will be doing curbside pickup of any items that were damaged in the August 10 derecho, including:

  • Storage sheds
  • Small electric garden tools
  • Children’s outside play buildings, trampolines, swing sets
  • Fencing
  • Roofing
  • Shingles
  • Window awnings
  • Glass, windows, and doors
  • Siding
  • Insulation
  • Drywall
  • Eve troughs, soffit & fascia
  • Patio furniture
  • Water-damaged mattresses or clothing and other items damaged in the storm
  • Grills (NO propane tanks. Those and other hazardous materials must be taken to the Linn County Landfill on County Home Road in Marion.)

City crews will return as many times as necessary to collect all of the damaged items/materials. When you put your debris on the curb, be sure not to put debris in the street or sidewalk and put into piles separate from your tree debris. Bulky items not impacted by the storm will not be collected. Email solid-waste-recycling@cedar-rapids.org or call 319-286-5897 to schedule pick up of those items.

The city announced today that around 27,000 loads of tree debris have been collected thus far with a total weight of about 64,500 tons. The first pass of around 22 percent of Cedar Rapids streets has been completed.

Bulk piles of tree debris that can be accessed by a crane are being collected around the city. It is possible that not all of your tree debris will be picked up on the first pass. If it's not collected on the first pass, it will be picked up later. All city streets will be visited by crews at least twice for clean up. The city believes it may take as long as a month to complete the first pass of the city.

If you'd like to transport tree debris from your property, it can be taken to the former Cooper's Mill location (northwest corner of I Avenue and 1st Street NW). Only tree debris can be taken to that site. The lot is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through August 31. Beginning September 1, hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is expected to close September 5.

Also, please note that you are not allowed to pick up wood at Cedar Rapids drop-off sites due to the operation of heavy machinery and nearly continuous large truck traffic.

PHOTOS: Massive 2020 Storm Causes Widespread Damage in Cedar Rapids

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