You Still Have Options for Missoula Storm Debris

The chipping and grinding is getting underway in Missoula, as the city and county begin to dispose of the tons of debris from July's severe thunderstorm.

While the free drop-off lots are all closed now, there are still some options for disposing of all those trees and limbs.

You just need to hurry to take advantage of them.

Get our free mobile app

Drop-off locations are all closed

Within a couple of days of the July 24th storm, Missoula city and county leaders had dedicated several locations across town where people could dispose of all the material that came down in those hurricane-force winds.

It didn't take long for them to fill up either, as load after load was delivered, resulting in piles of small trees, limbs, and even entire logs that needed disposal.

RELATED: Missoula Storm Damage Estimate in the Millions

Are there are free Missoula debris options left?

Yes, one and that is to take storm debris to Garden City Compost. The city decided to extend the offer of free disposal last week.

"They've resumed normal operations," explains Nick Holloway of Missoula County Emergency Management, who says fees are being charged for non-storm debris like grass and yard clippings.

"Storm-related debris will continue to be free there for the time being. And when people bring in truckloads of debris they have to identify it as storm-related."

That allows the local government to keep track of expenses, to be reimbursed with federal emergency funds.

Still some pickup at the curb

Although the City Streets crews finished curbside pickup last month, Holloway says people can still get on the list for the contractor to pick up by calling 406-552-6360. But with that work scheduled to start yesterday, he says people needing debris hauled away should call right away to get on the list, and then get their debris out to the parking lane for pickup.

How much debris?

There's been speculation but no specific number. Holloway says that the total will probably be estimated on the amount of chips that are hauled away.