Omaha-metro storm cleanup: Debris dump sites

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – While work continues to restore power to thousands of people across the Omaha area, many residents are also busy clearing their yards of downed branches and even entire trees.

Crews worked through the night to clear debris and restore power after a powerful storm swept through Omaha Wednesday evening. Many areas in the area experienced wind gusts of 60-90 mph several times in a half-hour window as the storm moved through.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said during a Thursday morning city news conference that the best way to stay informed and up to date on the ongoing hurricane cleanup effort is through the Mobile Omaha app.

OPPD also suggested its customers download the OPPDconnect app to stay up to date with outage information that affects them.

Also Thursday, Austin Rowser with Omaha Public Works said crews were working to make the roads safe and passable. The issue has affected trash pickup, and residents were warned to expect delays. People whose trash has not been picked up by 7 p.m. were asked to call 402-444-5238 to report it.

Rowser said curbside pickup will begin next week — potentially Monday — but it could take three weeks to get everything picked up. Residents can use their own trash cans for small wood waste items. Omaha residents were encouraged to use city-owned trash collection points, though, because they were chosen for space and accessibility.

Some remains can also be donated to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha. There is a form and information on their website to see if your department meets the requirements.

SHIPPING PLACES

There are five wood waste landfills in Omaha in city parks: Greenbrier Park in Elkhorn; Hefflinger Park in northwest Omaha; Towl Park in southwest Omaha; Levi Carter Park near Carter Lake; and the soccer field at 156th and F streets near Zorinsky Lake.

All properties except Greenbrier open at 11:00 a.m.

People heading to the site near Lake Zorinsky were warned about roadworks on F Street, between 147th and 150th Streets, which blocked traffic in the area in some places Thursday. The construction was scheduled to end July 31, but the work was extended until Tuesday.

Council Bluffs Recycling Centerlocated at 4441 Gifford Road, will accept waste free of charge through Saturday. After that, the fee will be $30 per ton. They are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

“Free tree disposal is limited to woody debris from Council Bluffs residents and is not available to commercial entities, surrounding communities or outlying areas,” the news release reads. “Residents will be required to provide proof of address prior to disposal. All other entities will pay the standard rate.”

Bellevue has a debris dump site is located north of Cedar Island Road and Rose Lane Road. It is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

La Vista and Papillion has opened a landfill — for debris only, no trash — for residents of 99th Circle and Portal Road. The landfill will be open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Officials also reported traffic disruptions around the scene, advising residents trying to get through the construction site to use alternative routes.

Ralston residents can slide down the branches at the city’s Department of Public Works, located at 8229 Serum Ave.

Waterloo Mulch and Soillocated at 252nd and Blondo streets, will be picking up residents’ trash. They also offer curbside tree trash pickup.

—

Chief Digital Officer Gina Dvorak contributed to this report.

—

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for 6 News email alerts.