Downed trees and limbs after last week's storm? Here's how to get rid of them

Editor's note: This story was updated at 4:45 p.m. July 1 with more information from the city of Bloomington. It was updated again at 5:10 p.m. July 1 to add information about the county's debris removal schedule.

Last week's storm wiped power in much of Bloomington and downed trees across Monroe County. Now that most power has been restored, officials are turning their attention toward debris pickup .

Here's the latest on debris removal.

Will the City of Bloomington pick up tree limbs from last week's storm?

The City of Bloomington will be collecting trees and other vegetative debris for those within the city limits. Martinsville company Williams Tree Company will collect tree limbs and other vegetation for two weeks beginning on Monday, July 8.

Residents should request service by filling out a UReport at bton.in/storm .

Will Monroe County and Ellettsville pick up tree limbs from last week's storm?

The Ellettsville Street Department will be collecting all debris from citizens until July 25.

Monroe County Emergency Management will be picking up tree debris for all county residents who live outside of Bloomington and Ellettsville.

County residents can fill out a form at forms.office.com/g/QeHLgSWmFD .

The county's emergency management department shared in a Facebook post it intends to pick up debris by township on the following schedule:

• Perry Township: debris must be to curb or property line July 7 for pickup between July 8 and July 12
• Van Buren Township: debris must be to curb or property line July 14 for pickup between July 13 and July 19
• Clear Creek Township: debris must be to curb or property line July 21 for pickup between July 22 and July 26
• Richland Township: debris must be to curb or property line July 28 for pickup between July 29 and Aug. 2
• Salt Creek Township: debris must be to curb or property line Aug. 4 for pickup between Aug. 5 and Aug. 9
• Polk Township: debris must be to curb or property line Aug. 11 for pickup between Aug. 12 and Aug. 16.

How should I prepare the tree debris for pick up?

Whether a city or county resident, debris should be prepared for pickup by cutting it into manageable pieces and moving it close to the roadside without blocking sidewalks or streets.

Jamie Neibel, director of the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency , said people should also avoid placing debris in ditches, which could cause flooding if it rains. The county will only pick up debris at or below 40 inches in diameter that can be picked up with a grapple.

Neibel recommends staying safe when cutting debris, including by avoiding tools like chainsaws if you’re uncomfortable using one.

If you need assistance moving tree debris, county residents can fill out a form at forms.office.com/g/fmQiv8M3Yf . Nonprofits like the Southern Baptist Convention and Masters of Disaster will be available to help with debris.

When will tree debris be picked up?

While people can now begin filling out Monroe County EMA forms, there is currently no time established for when debris pickup in the county will begin. Debris pickup for Bloomington residents begins July 8. People can follow the Monroe County EMA or the City of Bloomington Facebook pages for updates.

What can I do with construction or other debris from last week's storm?

The Monroe County EMA and City of Bloomington will not be picking up non-vegetative debris. Instead, Neibel said people should take the typical routes for contacting private companies to arrange for disposal.

Can I drop off my tree debris?

City of Bloomington residents may take their vegetative debris to the parking lot adjacent to the ball fields in Lower Cascades Park, 3601 N. Old State Road 37 beginning Saturday, July 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone attempting to drop off debris should bring proof of city residence. Call the city of Bloomington at 812-349-3400 for more information.

What will the City of Bloomington and Monroe County do with the storm debris it picks up?

Neibel said storm debris picked up by the county will probably be naturally mulched and worked back into the earth. No one with the City of Bloomington could be reached to explain what it plans to do with the debris.

Reach Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Downed trees and limbs after last week's storm? Here's how to get rid of them