Cleaning up after a winter storm
Winter winds, heavy snow, and ice storms can take down trees and leave branches and other debris you’ll need to clean up. But what do you do with the debris?
If you have yard debris service, smaller items can go in your green bin. If you’re not sure what goes in that bin, check with your hauler or local government or ask Metro. Remember:
- No branches larger than 4 inches in diameter or longer than 36 inches. Any branch must fit in the bin with the lid closed.
- No dirt or rocks
- No stumps or sod
- No construction wood waste
Some items that can’t go in the yard debris bin can be taken to a transfer station. Check the website to find out what you can bring, when they’re open and how to prep your load.
Metro Central transfer station in Northwest Portland
Metro South transfer station in Oregon City
Several local facilities including yard debris depots, landscapers and composters are also accepting storm debris.
Clackamas County resources for storm recovery: locations and hours for storm resource centers in Molalla, Canby, and Oregon City where people can find blankets, water, flashlights, lanterns, batteries, snacks and hand warmers and recharge electrical devices. Locations accepting vegetative yard debris are also listed.
In addition, several cities have set up temporary yard debris dump sites for their residents:
Oregon City
Tualatin
Wilsonville
Wildfire ash and debris cannot be accepted at Metro facilities
Materials burned in wildfires and wildfire ash can contain hazardous materials. Metro facilities cannot accept any items in burned condition or covered in ash due to wildfires.
Get help with wildfire cleanup
Cleaning up after a wildfire
Wildfire debris can be hazardous. Many homes have toxic chemicals like pesticides, motor oil and paint, and older homes may have asbestos. When a home has been affected by fire, these materials can be in the ash or debris. It's important to make sure you're cleaning up in a way that protects your health and the health of the people who will handle the debris once it's ready for disposal.
Cleaning up your property safely after a wildfire
The Oregon Office of Emergency Management and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) strongly recommend that you “call before you haul” before disposing of any materials affected by wildfire. Government-funded cleanup assistance is available to help you save money, protect your health and the health of others, and simplify your cleanup process.
For information on how to sign up for assistance and what to do if you decide to clean up on your own, visit the State of Oregon wildfire cleanup page.
In-person assistance and more resources are available, including help with your Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) application. Visit the Fire Resource Center page for more information.