Nashville ends storm debris collection, returns to normal yard waste schedule

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Nashville is switching back to its normal yard waste pickup schedule beginning May 20 after spending months cleaning up damage from a major winter storm.

Winter Storm Fern hit Nashville and caused massive tree damage. Since early February, the Nashville Department of Transportation has been doing special cleanup just for storm debris.

The department has collected more than 2.1 million cubic yards of fallen branches and vegetation.

As residents clean vegetation debris from their yards, NDOT asks community members to look out for hanging tree limbs and leaning branches on large canopy trees, as they present major safety risks.

According to NDOT, vegetation debris should not block fire hydrants, storm drains, drainage ditches, culverts, alleys, sidewalks, bike lanes, car travel lanes or other essential infrastructure.

All yard waste is banned from trash collection and cannot be placed in residents’ trash carts or dumpsters. When setting out brush, leaves and grass clippings for collection, residents should follow these guidelines:

• Set brush out before the scheduled start date in your area where your garbage is collected (at the curb or in the alley)
• Place leaves and grass clippings in biodegradable paper bags only.
• Only place limbs, branches and true yard waste by the curb for brush crews.
• Large branches can only be up to 4 inches in diameter and 12 feet long.
• Tree stumps can only be up to 8 inches in diameter and 12-18 feet. Stumps must be free of dirt and root balls.

Click here to report a non-emergency issue affecting a Metro Nashville street.