Springfield begins long-awaited storm debris pickup

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Crews with the City of Springfield will be starting the long-awaited curb pickup for debris from our very active storm season.

After powerful storms in April and June snapped trees in all parts of the city, the amount of debris left behind resulted in officials creating a schedule for limbs and branches to be picked up. Over the next month, Springfield Public Works crews will pick up debris sorted by city council zones.

Today, Zone 1 will have their debris picked up. Residents are asked to place it by their curbs. The pickup process will last through the end of the week. Here is a look at the pickup schedule:

• Zone 1: August 11-15
• Zone 3: August 18-22
• Zone 2: August 25-29
• Zone 4: September 1-5

If you aren't sure which zone you are in, you can click here.

This follows a volunteer day in late July that saw 80 people come together to clean up public spaces. They also served over 1,100 requests from residents to have their limbs moved curbside in advance of the pickup.

A tree company contracted by the city is currently addressing properties with larger trees and debris, and may help with curbside pickup in areas. It's free to Springfield residents. Anyone with questions can call 417-864-1010.

Here are some things to keep in mind for people expecting crews to pick up their debris over the next month:

• Only natural/organic vegetative debris will be collected (limbs, branches, brush).

• No registration is needed for pickup.

• Debris should be placed at the curb or nearest accessible location, without blocking sidewalks, driveways or drainage ditches.

• Debris must be ready by 7 a.m. on the first day of your City Council Zone’s scheduled pickup week.