Champaign, Urbana, Mahomet, Savoy Announce Storm Cleanup Information

The impacts of the June 29 storm that swept through Champaign County and surrounding areas, causing widespread power outages, took down many mature trees, and created significant property damage continue to be felt by residents across the area.

Its powerful wind and rain was no match for many area bushes and trees.

Both the cities of Champaign and Urbana will provide residents a special collection for debris created as a result of the major storm. Mahomet and Savoy have also announced opportunities for residents to have storm remnants collected.

CITY OF CHAMPAIGN 

The City of Champaign announced Monday plans for a special debris collection for Champaign residents. To participate, leave debris from City-owned or private damaged trees and brush at the curb for Public Works crews to pick up and haul away. Residents should place debris on the curb by 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 10, 2023.

Residents do not need to notify Public Works of the debris waiting to be collected.  Crews will begin collecting brush and limbs left at the curb by systematically moving through the community street by street. Once collection has been completed on a street, crews will not return for additional pickup. With the amount of damage, the pickups could take a few weeks to complete.

The Champaign Public Works Department has outlined the following steps in order to provide direction on how items should be placed along the right-of-way:

• Leave items along and parallel to the curb where they can easily be picked up with heavy equipment. Keep all debris at least 5-feet away from trees, mailboxes, poles, fire hydrants, power boxes, etc.
• Yard waste bags are OK, but no plastic bags or containers.
• Small branches and twigs should be bundled with non-metallic twine or placed in paper yard waste bags.
• Logs/limbs should be 8-feet in length or shorter and less than 10-inches in diameter. This is necessary so they can be safely transported.
• The City will only be collecting storm-damaged tree limbs and brush in this special collection.

For other types of debris, the City recommends that homeowners contact their insurance companies and/or solid waste hauler to discuss options for removal. Residents may also drop items off at the Landscape Recycling Center in Urbana.  

CITY OF URBANA:

The City of Urbana is offering short-term, emergency tree limb and brush pick-up from private properties to assist residents in recovery efforts.  

• WHAT: Tree limbs and brush debris only. No construction materials. Per regulations of the Landscape Recycling Center, limbs must be 8 feet or shorter in length and 10 inches or less in diameter (plus brush and branches).
• HOW: Place materials in the parkway near curb, in the right-of-way, where it can be picked up by heavy equipment, away from mailboxes, vehicles, signs, light poles, fire hydrants, etc. Do not place materials in the street or obstruct visibility at intersections.
• WHEN: Tree limbs and brush must be placed in the right-of-way by 7 a.m., July 5, 2023, to be included in this pick-up. Urbana Public Works will then perform the removal systematically.

NOTE: For all other types of storm debris or large privately-owned tree removal, the city of Urbana suggests to contact your waste hauler or a private tree service for assistance. Private contractors are encouraged to remove their own tree debris. Call 217-384-2342 for more information.

VILLAGE OF SAVOY: