Perryville Public Works announces storm debris cleanup

Posted

Perryville Public Works has announced that it will assist residents with storm-related limb cleanup but is asking for the patience of city residents because of the large amount of debris to be found across the city.

“The sheer volume of limbs will overwhelm our resources, and it will take some time to get everything picked up,” said Jeff Layton, director of Public Works. “That said, we will begin collecting fallen limbs as soon as is practical and possible, given the host of other emergency tasks that require our attention.”

Layton stressed the first way the public can assist his department in picking up the debris promptly.

“Please gather fallen limbs from your yard and place them perpendicular to the curb for pickup, cut/broken end facing the street,” he said. “Do not place them in front of your mailbox or where you normally prefer to place your trash can, as they may be there for a while. Our normal limit for pickup is 4 inches in diameter and 8 inches in length, but we are going to try to make an exception and take material up to 12 inches in diameter for a limited time. Still, no more than 12 inches long will be accepted.

“Unfortunately, our equipment isn’t capable of handling larger debris, but perhaps your contractor can remove that material. As is always the case, stumps, logs, and root wads are not accepted. The city may also need to use a combination of chipping and collecting to accomplish this monumental task. Those decisions will be made as we go.”

According to Layton, the second way the public can make debris pickup more time-efficient for his department is to use the debris drop-off site beginning Monday.

“If you have the ability, desire and equipment to handle the debris yourself, you can take it to our designated drop-off site at the city’s Public Works Office but many of the same guidelines apply as stumps, logs, and root wads are still not accepted,” he said. “We are going to try to make an exception for the size of materials accepted for pickup and take larger limbs, but all users will have to register at the office before dumping and show proof of address and a business license, if appropriate.

"Please know that this location is limited in space. It is highly likely and expected that it will fill up, and the city will have to designate alternate locations for future drop-offs. This will be communicated to the public through the Republic-Monitor and social media as it occurs.

"This is being done to help control the size of the burn pile and with respect for the safety of citizens in accessing the site and dropping off material. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this cleanup effort. It is going to take a little bit, but we will get it done.”

Layton added that loads containing trash, tires, batteries, and construction/demolition materials will be considered contaminated and not accepted.

Perryville Public Works, 304 S. Kingshighway, is open between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Note that registration is required at the Public Works Office, and all loads will be verified. Those with questions or needing additional information can call 573-547-2500.