The thunderstorms and winds that hit the Iowa City area on Monday, August 10, 2020, left hundreds of downed trees, limbs, and wood debris in their wake.

Here is what residents can do with post-storm materials: Beginning Tuesday, August 11, 2020, City crews will remove storm debris that is at the back of the curb in the City Right of Way.

Do not place debris around fire hydrants, mail boxes, sign posts, or other obstructions. Please leave room around piles so equipment can safely access the debris. 

1. Large limbs greater than four inches in diameter and longer than four feet, including tree trunks up to six feet in length, will be picked up with an endloader or skid steer.  Please note collection may not happen on your regular garbage collection day. 
2. Iowa City residents who have City of Iowa City curbside garbage pick-up service may place smaller limbs, sticks and loose leaf debris in yard waste containers (City issued carts or residents’ own containers sized between 20 and 35 gallons and weighing less than 50 pounds). These items will be picked up on normal garbage days and staff will run extra routes as staffing and equipment allow. Wood waste and brush that is four inches in diameter or less should be securely tied in bundles that are no bigger around than 18 inches and no more than 48 inches in length. Please note these will be picked up manually by staff so must meet the requirements to be picked up. 
3. Residents of Iowa City, Johnson County, and other communities served by the Iowa City Landfill may also take limbs and wood debris directly to the Iowa City Landfill at 3900 Hebl Avenue SW, west of the City limits on Melrose Avenue / IWV Road. There are no size limitations or bundling requirements on limbs or branches that are dropped off at the Landfill, and no disposal fees are charged if the materials are being hauled by the resident themselves. Commercial trucks and commercial loads will be charged the regular $24 yard waste fee. Landfill hours are Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Please plan on long lines and wait times. 

A video on how to properly dispose of materials can also be found online.

MidAmerican has reported that the power outages in large parts of Iowa City and across the state could take multiple days to fix, so please make backup plans for any electrical and food needs. 

If out helping clear debris, please continue to wear a mask or face covering to help curb the spread of COVID-19. If you are not helping clear debris and do not need to travel, please stay inside to help ensure crews can clean up as quickly as possible. 

For more information, contact the Streets and Traffic Engineering Office at 319-356-5181, or the Landfill Office at 319-356-5185.