The city of Billings has launched a debris cleanup plan following Tuesday night’s storm that downed trees across the city and left thousands without power.

City workers worked through the night to remove tree debris and other safety hazards, city spokeswoman Victoria Hill said in a press release Wednesday.

Hill highlighted the city’s plans to streamline cleanup efforts:

1. Collect green bin

· Residents are asked to fill their green bins with small tree debris wherever possible.
· Make sure the lids are fully closed as our garbage trucks can only collect bins with closed lids to prevent rubbish from falling out during collection.
· Please be careful not to overfill the green bin with large, heavy pieces of wood, as this may cause the bin to break. If it is too heavy to pull/push, it will also be too heavy to collect.

2. Places for the disposal of tree residues

· As indicated on the map provided, multiple drop-off locations have been set up throughout the city for a two-week period ending Saturday, August 24.
· Residents who are able to transport their tree debris to these sites are encouraged to do so.
· Please throw tree debris into the designated pile at each location. Please note that there are no containers available at these locations.
· These drop-off locations will ONLY accept tree debris as we plan to chop and compost the material. · Additional locations may be added – check the Building Department website and Facebook page for the latest locations.

3. Billings Landfill

· Residents who are able to transport their tree waste are urged to bring it to the Billings Landfill where it will be accepted free of charge for the next two weeks through Saturday, August 24.
· The landfill is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Additionally, the landfill will be open on Sunday, August 11th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for your convenience.
· Please ensure that no other waste is mixed with the tree cuttings, as these will be composted.

4. No garbage collection on the roadside or in the alley

· Please do not pile trash along curbs or in alleys as it will not be picked up by the city. Curbside pickup is available for a fee.

For more information and updates, visit www.billingsmtpublicworks.gov or visit Public Works’ Facebook page and other social media channels.