Louisville residents can drop-off storm debris for free this week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Strong winds and rain ripped through parts of Louisville last week, and a tornado touched down on July 4th in the west end.

Neighborhoods are still cleaning up with the help of Metro Public Works, and the city is giving Louisville residents a place to drop off storm debris for free this week.

Sandra Wright saw the storm roll through. "We didn't realize it though. We did not realize that the wind was so strong. We didn't realize it until after the fact."

Debris is still scattered through alleys and roadways in the neighborhood damaged by an EF-1 tornado.

The city hopes to get the debris cleared by next week, according to Pete Flood from Public Works.

"For us to be able to get alleys open and larger debris picked up after a disaster that truly damages people's homes, it's critical for people," Flood said.

"It's probably going to take us a little longer than we want. However, we're anticipating that by next Monday, we're going to be able to get in and actually be able to pick up the larger debris," he said.

People in Louisville started dropping off storm tree debris for free starting Monday at the city's Meriwether Avenue site.

Jefferson County residents can drop off storm tree debris at Louisville Metro Solid Waste Management Services at 600 Meriwether Avenue from 2 to 6 p.m. The site will accept any debris heavier than 60 pounds and larger than four feet.

The site plans to operate through Friday, July 12, but participation and demand will be monitored daily to determine if the site should stay open.

If the site closes due to low demand, it will be communicated through the Public Works' website, social media and e-newsletter.

Residents in the urban services district are also eligible for curbside pickup of debris by Public Works. The debris has to weigh less than 60 pounds and be smaller than four to six feet.

For those impacted by the EF-1 tornado that touched down in Louisville, Public Works says it will be picking up large piles of debris and downed limbs at some point next week when alleys are cleared. This exception is being made because the area was impacted by disaster.

The free service is for Jefferson County residents only. No contractors are allowed to drop off items. People dropping off debris will have to show a driver's license, and license plates will be documented.

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