Omaha-metro storm cleanup: Tree debris drop-off sites (2024)

Published: Aug. 1, 2024 at 5:26 PM CDT|Updated: Aug. 5, 2024 at 9:11 PM CDT

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - As work continues to restore power to thousands across the Omaha-metro, many residents are also working to clear their yards of fallen branches and even whole trees.

Crews worked overnight to clean up debris and restore power after a blustery storm whipped through the Omaha metro on Wednesday evening. Many areas around the area experienced 60-90 mph wind gusts several times over a half-hour window as the storm moved through.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said during the city’s Thursday morning news conference that the best way to get information and updates as the storm cleanup continues is through the Mobile Omaha app.

Similarly, OPPD was suggesting that its customers download the OPPDconnect app to stay informed about the outages impacting them.

Also on Thursday, Austin Rowser with Omaha Public Works said crews were working to make roads safe and passable. That issue was impacting trash pickups, so residents were warned to expect delays. Those who don’t have their trash picked up by 7 p.m. were advised to call 402-444-5238 to report it.

Rowser said it could take three weeks to get everything picked up. Initially intending to start curbside debris collections on Monday, Public Works pushed that back to around noon on Thursday, Aug. 8. Residents can use their garbage bins for small tree debris. Residents must place branches at the curb. There is no restriction on size. City employees will not come into yards or driveways to retrieve the branches.

Omaha residents were encouraged to use the city’s drop-off sites for debris, however, as they were specifically chosen because of their space and accessibility.

Some debris can also be donated to the Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. They have a form and information on their website to see if your branches fit the bill.

And if you need assistance getting trees cut, call 211 to get connected with Team Rubicon.

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

Omaha has several tree debris dump sites in city parks: Al Veys Field, north of 60th and Harrison streets; Greenbrier Park in Elkhorn; Hefflinger Park in Northwest Omaha; Levi Carter Park near Carter Lake; the football field at 156th and F streets near Zorinsky Lake; and Al Veys Field which is just north of 60th & Harrison.

The Towl Park location, east of 90th Street and West Center Road, closed Sunday night, as it was full.

All other sites are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Those headed to the site near Zorinsky Lake were cautioned about road construction on F Street, between 147th and 150th streets, which was backing up traffic in that area at certain points Thursday. The construction was scheduled to wrap up July 31, but that work has been extended through Tuesday.

Council Bluffs Recycling Center, located at 4441 Gifford Road, will accept debris for free through Saturday. After that, the charge will be $30 per ton. They’re open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

“Free tree disposal is limited to tree debris from residents of Council Bluffs and is not available to commercial entities, surrounding communities, or outlying areas,” the news release states. “Residents will be required to present proof of address before disposal. All other entities shall pay the regular rate.”

Bellevue has a debris site located north of Cedar Island Road and Rose Lane Road. It’s open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Officials said Monday that the debris drop-off site at Haworth Park would remain open to the public all week during daylight hours.

Bellevue officials also said Monday that the city will also be doing curbside debris pickup starting next week.

La Vista and Papillion opened a dumpsite — for debris only; no trash — to their residents at 99th Circle and Portal Road. The site will be open 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Officials were also reporting traffic back-ups around the site, advising residents trying to get maneuver through to use alternate routes.

Ralston residents can drop off down limbs at the city’s Public Works Department, located at 8229 Serum Ave.

The City of Valley has a debris site on the northeast side of the water treatment plant, located at 5007 N. 270th St. The site will be open daily from 7 a.m to 5 p.m. through Thursday, Aug. 8. Anyone interested in voluteering here can call the city at 402-690-0501 to coordinate.

Waterloo Mulch and Soil, located at 252nd and Blondo streets, will take debris from residents. They also offer curbside pickup of tree debris.

—

Digital Director Gina Dvorak contributed to this report.

—

Get the latest updates delivered to your inbox. Sign up for 6 News email alerts.

Copyright 2024 WOWT. All rights reserved.