What to do with storm debris now that Topeka contractors are picking up limbs

Topeka's city government on Monday began gathering, free of charge, yard debris left by a storm that brought high winds late Aug. 14.

Residents were asked to take trees and limbs to their curb, where a third-party contractor working for the city will take it away, with work being done first in the areas that were hit hardest.

"These efforts will continue throughout the coming weeks until all parts of Topeka have been serviced," said Daniel Garrett, the city's director of communications.

The city appreciates residents' patience and cooperation as work continues to clear debris and "restore our community," Garrett said.

What areas got hit when storm swept through Topeka?

Winds estimated at 80 mph did widespread tree damage late Aug. 14 in northeast Topeka's Oakland neighborhood, the National Weather Service's Topeka office said on its website.

Central Topeka, North Topeka and East Topeka were also hit hard, according to accounts posted on Facebook.

The storm left more than 5,000 homes and businesses without power in the Topeka and more than 37,000 in the area served by the electrical utility Evergy, with Newton, Wichita and Leavenworth also being heavily impacted in that area, Evergy said on a power outage map website it maintains.

What do Topeka residents need to do about yard debris?

Garrett announced Thursday that the city was mobilizing third-party contractors to help with cleanup, as large grapple trucks would be used beginning at 7 a.m. Monday to remove debris in neighborhoods.

The city's contractors for disaster debris removal are CTC Disaster Response and TFR Enterprises.

Only trees and brush are being picked up, Garrett said. Garbage, damaged appliances, carpet, furniture and household goods aren't.

Residents are responsible for taking debris to their curb.

"Please place any brush in piles near the back of the curb in a clear area," Garrett said. "Do not place debris near mailboxes, fences or any other structure or under any trees or power lines."

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: What to do with storm debris now that Topeka contractors are picking up limbs