Originally published: July 16, 2021
Omaha crews focus on boulevard debris cleanup; city temporarily closes a drop-off site
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Starting on Friday, the Elkhorn Recycling drop-off site is temporarily closed. The tree debris site remains open.
According to a news release, recycling containers from Ta-Ha Zouka are being moved to other drop-off locations at Firststar Fiber at 103rd and I streets, and Mulhalls at 120th and Maple.
City officials said Ta-Ha Zouka recycling site at 20801 Elkhorn Drive is closed for safety reasons and also for priority access for the continuing collection of yard debris caused by a powerful storm Saturday that downed trees and knocked out power to thousands of homes in Douglas and Sarpy counties.
The Ta-Ha Zouka recycling drop-off will reopen when the debris has been mulched and removed, the mayor’s office said.
Residents are encouraged to visit wasteline.org for alternative drop-off locations and a list of accepted materials.
Residents can sign up for emailed updates of recycling and solid waste collections at join.wasteline.org.
Mayor Jean Stothert, at a news conference Thursday, said residents can take debris to four disposal sites in Omaha.
As of 7:50 a.m. Friday, Omaha Public Power District reported 466 homes in Douglas County and 50 customers in Sarpy County still were without power.
Volunteers help homeowners with debris
Volunteers members of Team Rubicon will be in Omaha Sunday, July 18 through Saturday, July 24 to help homeowners in the city with getting rid of tree debris.
Known as the ‘Greyshirts’, they “will help with general debris removal, chainsaw operations, damage assessment and management of volunteers,” according to the release. The release further states the greyshirts will be specifically helping out the elderly and people that are disabled throughout the city and greater Douglas County.
People in need to request help are recommended to call 211 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. which is a helpline by the United Way of the Midlands.
Omaha launches debris pickup online tracker
The city has launched an online tracker where residents can follow the progress of those city crews as they pick up debris. It’s similar to the one they used in the winter to show where the snowplows have been.
OPPD: fewer than 300 without power
For the 188,000 customers who lost power in the storm, OPPD says now it’s down to fewer than 300.
Crews focusing on boulevard debris cleanup
More than 150 city employees will hit the streets for curbside pickup of tree debris on Monday. This is a separate service from FCC collections.
Storm cleanup moves into day seven
In the Benson area, trash pickup is a day late and there’s a lot waiting for pickup. So FCC is adding some help to get everything cleaned up.