Trees damaged in the two most recent snowstorms in Kansas City can be put to good reuse as mulch for spring gardens and potentially as specialty lumber for future building and furniture projects.
The first step is for residents to check on the pickup and drop-off services available in their municipality. Many have added extra services and extended hours at drop-off locations. From there, the downed trees and branches are sorted for best use.
Missouri Organic Recycling will process storm debris into mulch from collections In Kansas City, Raytown, Independence, Grandview and Gladstone in Missouri and Olathe in Kansas. Some of the larger trees from Kansas City, MO and Overland Park, KS will be cut and dried into lumber that will be sold for building and furniture projects by Urban Lumber Company.
“We appreciate Missouri Organic (the city’s leaf/brush disposal partner) extending their dates of operation,” said Michael Shaw, manager of the Kansas City’s Solid Waste division. “Given the amount of tree damage caused by the snowfall, we wanted to give Kansas City residents plenty of time to cut and remove storm-damaged trees and limbs.”
Additional storm debris services are available by municipality in the metropolitan area, but may be subject to change as winter weather continues. Check websites for current updates.
The city will provide a drop-off site at Markey Park, 615 W. Markey Road, for winter storm debris and tree limbs. Proof of residency is required. Maximum length of limbs is four feet and maximum diameter is six inches. The drop-off will be open the following days/times:
- Thursday, January 24, 10 a.m. – Noon
- Friday, January 25, 10 a.m. – Noon
- Saturday, January 26, 8 a.m. . – 3 p.m.
- Saturday, February 2, 8 a.m. . – 3 p.m.
The city is not doing any city-sponsored storm debris drop-offs or pick-ups at this time.
Check with the city for current service updates.
Residents can drop off winter storm debris for free at Gladstone Public Works, 4000 NE 76th St., from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, February 1.
Debris drop off is available at Grandview Ballpark, 13200 Arrington Road from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day.
At this time, the Independence Drop-Off Depot, 875 Vista Ave., is closed and will reopen on Saturday, March 9.
Residents can dispose of limbs and debris at the Recycling Center located at 3241 Park Drive, Kansas City, KS. Winter hours are Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The city of Kansas City, MO has three leaf and brush drop off sites that will remain open through Saturday, February 16. They are located at:
- 11660 N. Main St.
- 1815 N. Chouteau Trafficway
- 10301 Raytown Road
The sites were originally scheduled to close January 19. The three sites will be open normal hours Monday through Saturday with free drop off for Kansas City, MO residents. The sites will reopen on March 9.
Residents need to contact the 311 Center to submit their address for the special debris collection. The deadline is 7 p.m. Thursday, January 24 to be placed on the collection list. Branches must be at the curb by 6 a.m. Monday, January 28. Branches must be cut to a length of six feet or less. Bags of leaves will not be collected and all bulky item pickups will also be suspended during this period.
The city will pick up of branches beginning Tuesday, January 22. Limbs and bundles need to be under six feet in length and placed curbside.
The city has no plans for debris removal at this time. Yard waste/brush is accepted with fees at the Lee’s Summit Resource Recovery Park, which is operated by Summit Waste Systems. Some trash haulers also accept debris, but residents should check on requirements and fees.
Check with the city for current service updates.
No additional services are planned. Check website for updates.
Residents can drop off their storm debris at the Public Works Facility, 6901 Knox until Wednesday, January 23. Drop-off hours are 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The city will offer curbside limb pick-up services over the next few weeks.
Olathe, KS:
The city will sweep neighborhoods to pick up tree debris. Bulk pick-ups do not need to be scheduled. Place limbs at the curb by Monday, January 28. They must be 15 feet or less in length.
Overland Park, KS:
Debris drop off is available at two locations: Young’s Pool parking lot, 8421 W. 77th St. and the St. Andrews Golf Club parking lot, 11099 W. 135th St. The sites will be open from 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily through January 27.
Prairie Village is coordinating curbside limb pick up with Republic Services and Arbor Masters on resident’s regularly scheduled trash day. Residents should tie limbs into bundles no more than four feet in length, less than 18 inches in circumference and less than 50 pounds.
Raytown property owners can get a discount coupon to assist with yard waste disposal fees at Missouri Organic Recycling. The $5 coupons are good for $25 in disposal fees and can be used by the resident or a contractor for a standard pickup load. They can be purchased at Raytown City Hall. Check the website or call Raytown Public Works Department at 816-737-6012 for more details.
Public Works is collecting debris in sections of the city on various dates. Check the website for specific areas. Tree limbs can be no larger than 10 inches in diameter.
Check with the city for current service updates.
