Linn County continues to respond to the August 10 derecho storm. Linn County has made changes to the self-haul organic storm debris drop-off sites for residents of unincorporated Linn County.
Starting Tuesday, August 25, Linn County is providing four locations for residents of unincorporated Linn County to drop off organic storm debris at no charge. The sites will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
County Home Road
1888 County Home Rd
(Former Abbe home location)
Mount Vernon Secondary Road Shop
788 Cedar River Road
Mount Vernon
Whittier Secondary Road Shop
721 County Home Road
Springville
Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center
10260 Morris Hills Rd
Toddville
(Continue straight at the end of Morris Hills Rd – do not enter the Wickiup Hill parking lot)
Special Instructions
- These drop-off locations are only for residents of unincorporated Linn County due to FEMA reimbursement requirements. Site monitors will be on site to verify addresses.
- The sites are for organic storm debris only (trees, brush, vegetation).
- These locations are self-haul, drop-off only. Staff is not available to help unload debris.
- Tie down or cover your loads to prevent debris from falling out during transport.
- Use caution around the heavy equipment at the drop-off sites.
Morgan Creek County Park and Dows Farm off Mount Vernon Road are no longer open to the public for debris drop-off. These two sites are now used by Linn County’s contractor, Ceres Environmental Services, Inc., to dispose of tree debris they pick up in rural Linn County. Linn County had to close these two sites to the public because, while they were for residents of unincorporated Linn County due to FEMA reimbursement requirements, the locations were seeing an influx of homeowners from cities and commercial haulers, which is not allowed per FEMA reimbursement restrictions. The new drop-off sites are farther from city limits to help reduce confusion.
Organic Storm Debris Pick-up
Residents in unincorporated Linn County who are unable to dispose of their organic debris on their own may place it near their drive entrance for Linn County to remove. Debris placed for removal should not block the roadway or sight lines and must be accessible by road crews. When possible, cut tree limbs into 10 feet long sections. Linn County, or its contractor Ceres, will pick up organic storm debris as long as the road is publically accessible by the trucks and equipment (not too narrow); this includes private lanes that are not gated. Linn County cannot remove debris from gated areas. If you live in a gated area in unincorporated Linn County, you may place your organic storm debris in the nearest right-of-way equivalent on the flattest spot possible.
In addition to the above options, rural residents can dispose of tree debris at either Solid Waste Agency location, 1954 County Home Road, north of Marion, and 2250 A Street SW, Cedar Rapids.
If assistance is needed for debris removal, homeowners are encouraged to contact local contractors. Be sure to get a quote for any contract work and do not pay up front for removal or repair services. Contact your insurance company for information regarding damage claims. Save all receipts in case the expenses are eligible for reimbursement from insurance or a disaster relief program.
Ceres Environmental Services, Inc. will use its fleet of industrial-size grinders to dispose of the organic storm debris.
Visit LinnCounty.org/Storm for more storm-related information.
Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.