A week after severe storms tore through Downers Grove on July 27, Village crews are still picking up branches from parkway trees, and Republic Services is collecting properly prepared yard waste from private trees with no stickers required.
The Village posted the cleanup update Monday, Aug. 3, confirming that Public Works crews continue clearing branches from Village-owned parkway trees, the grass strip between the sidewalk and the street.
For residents dealing with downed limbs on their own property, Republic Services will haul away debris at no extra cost as long as it meets the Village's preparation standards. No stickers are required.
How to prepare private-tree debris
According to the Village's storm cleanup guidance, residents have three options:
- Yard-waste cart or brown yard-waste bag with branches cut to no more than 4 feet long
- Private cans of 33 gallons or smaller, branches no more than 4 feet long
- Bundles no larger than 2 feet in diameter, 4 feet long, and 50 pounds
Place prepared debris at the curb on your regular collection day.
What Republic Services won't take
Loose piles of tree debris, tree trunks, and large branch segments will not be collected. Residents who need those removed must hire a licensed tree removal company. The Village maintains a list of licensed contractors on its website.
Background
The July 27 storms prompted a tornado warning for DuPage County and knocked out power to more than 5,000 ComEd customers in Downers Grove. Public Works crews began clearing roadways and removing damaged parkway trees immediately after the storms, as we reported Tuesday, July 28.
Residents can still report parkway tree damage to Public Works at 630-434-5460 or through the Village's online service request portal.
The Village has not announced an end date for parkway branch collection or the no-sticker policy.
