A tree down on Johnston Place near Madison Avenue in Decatur’s Oakhurst neighborhood. Photo provided to Decaturish

The city of Decatur plans to pick up the debris caused by Tropical Storm Irma starting Sept. 18.

“Beginning Monday, Sept. 18, please put out household garbage, recycling, and yard waste on your regular collection day,” the announcement from the city says. “It may take a while to remove all of the debris and we may not get everything on the first collection date. In that case, we may also be collecting on Wednesdays and on the week-ends. If your debris is not picked up on your regular collection day, leave it at the curb so that it will be ready for pick-up when we return. We ask for your patience as we try to remove the debris as quickly as possible.”

A few more reminders provided by the city:

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• Yard trimmings should be placed in a container no larger than 32-gallons, or single-use yard waste bag.

• Sticks, hedge clippings and small brush should be gathered into bundles and tied securely so that each bundle does not exceed 4 feet in length nor weigh more than 50 pounds.

• Yard trimming and containers should not extend into the street or obstruct the sidewalk.

Here’s the full announcement from the city of Decatur:

As we continue to restore and recover from the storm, the City will resume regular collection of yard debris next week. Beginning Monday, Sept. 18, please put out household garbage, recycling, and yard waste on your regular collection day.

It may take a while to remove all of the debris and we may not get everything on the first collection date. In that case, we may also be collecting on Wednesdays and on the week-ends. If your debris is not picked up on your regular collection day, leave it at the curb so that it will be ready for pick-up when we return. We ask for your patience as we try to remove the debris as quickly as possible.

Please remember the ongoing regulations for yard waste placed on the curb including:

– Yard trimmings should be placed in a container no larger than 32-gallons, or single-use yard waste bag.

– Sticks, hedge clippings and small brush should be gathered into bundles and tied securely so that each bundle does not exceed 4 feet in length nor weigh more than 50 pounds.

– Yard trimming and containers should not extend into the street or obstruct the sidewalk.

If you have larger items as a result of the storm, the city will collect them. However, you should call 404-377-5571 to schedule a special pick-up because collection of larger piles, limbs and trees takes different equipment than that used for a normal collection route.

Please do not rake or blow your leaves or grass clippings into the street. Leaves and other yard debris which is raked or blown into the street can clog the storm drains and cause flooding and property damage.

Remember that if you use a tree or yard service, the private company is responsible for removal of debris.

We encourage you to compost yard debris on-site to the maximum extent possible. Composting yard debris adds nutrients back into soil, lessening the need for fertilizers.

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