DES MOINES, Iowa — Tuesday's severe storms left behind a considerable amount of damaged trees across the metro. Many large portions of trees were knocked down, with smaller ones torn out of the ground entirely.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a Disaster Proclamation of Emergency for 32 counties, including Polk, following the devastating and deadly May 21 storms.
In the aftermath of the severe weather, Polk County Emergency Management released an updated guide for debris cleanup across the metro.
While tree debris typically needs to be cut down to a certain size, you may speedup the cleaning process by taking any debris to the Metro Park East and Metro Park West Landfills. You can find more information on the Metro Waste Authority website.
Alleman
Dumpsters will be available at city hall and 13038 NE 14th Street until May 27 for debris.
Altoona
Brush drop sites open on Friday, May 24 as well as Tuesday, May 28. They will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for both days.
Ankeny
The city will have no special drop offs or curbside assistance. Tree and branch recycling was moved to June 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the City Maintenance Facility at 211 SE Lorenz Drive.
Clive
Curbside pickup is on May 28 for areas east of I-35/80 starting at 7 a.m. Debris must be placed outside before 7 a.m.
"Please separate smaller debris from larger trunks and branches. Wider end of debris should be placed toward curb for easier chipper loading," the guidance reads in part.
Des Moines
Complimentary waste pick up for Monday-Wednesday-Friday routes only occur during the week of May 27. The SCRUB site at the City of Des Moines Compost Center at 1601 Harriet St. will be open on Saturday for all other residents.
Grimes
Will have no special pickup, though the city recommends to compost it.
Johnston
A single pass of curbside assistance on May 28th. Debris must be placed by 6 a.m. in right of way. If you have debris larger than 18 inches in diameter and 10 feet in length, you must go through a private contractor.
Pleasant Hill
No special pickup. Compost it, if possible.
Polk County Unincorporated (including White Oak)
One pass of roadside pickup begins May 28. The cleanup is expected to last approximately 2 weeks.
Urbandale
Materials must be placed at the curb parallel to the street by Tuesday, May 28.
West Des Moines
The city will have curbside assistance on Tuesday, May 28. Debris should be placed prior to the 28.
"Ensure debris is not near fire hydrants, mailboxes, utilities, or other obstacles that could be damaged. Refrain from street parking," the city urged.
Windsor Heights
Curbside assistance will end on May 29. The final pass begins at 8 a.m. on the 29. Debris must be placed out by Tuesday, May 28.
For a full list of cities and their policies, click here.