City issues reminders for debris cleanup after storms

The city of Farmington Hills is reminding residents after last weekend’s storms that its rubbish contractor, Waste Management, does not offer special removal of tree limbs and other debris.

If a tree falls on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove the branches and any other storm-related or removal-related debris left behind, the city said in a release.

Pickup of tree branches and storm debris, or debris left by a tree removal contractor, occurs on the regularly scheduled garbage day and follows the standard yard waste collection guidelines:

• Small limbs (6 inches in diameter or less) and brush must be tied in bundles that do not exceed four feet in length or weigh more than 60 pounds per bundle.

• Limbs 3-6 inches do not need to be bundled but need to be stacked neatly at the street.

• Unbundled brush and large limbs will not be picked up.

• Tree limbs larger than six inches in diameter will not be picked up by the City’s rubbish hauling contractor. Disposal of these larger limbs is the responsibility of the homeowner and may require hiring a contractor.

• Tree debris may be placed at the curbside for composting in brown paper yard waste bags or in trash cans (35-gallon size limit with a maximum weight of 60 pounds) with a yard waste sticker on both sides. Yard Waste stickers are available free from City Hall or the Department of Public Works.

• Tree debris, such as brush or twigs, should not stick out above the top of the container.

• If a homeowner had tree branches or a tree stump chipped, it is their responsibility to properly dispose of the chippings according to these standard yard waste guidelines.

IIf you have questions, call the DPW at 248-871-2850 or visit www.fhgov.com.