BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — Benton County officials released a statement updating the public on their cleanup schedule for debris scattered by the deadly Memorial Day Weekend tornadoes that damaged countless homes on May 26, 2024.
Benton County Communications Director Melody Kwok confirmed that as of Sunday, June 23, almost a month after the storms, over 43,000 cubic yards of vegetative debris have been picked up in unincorporated areas of the county.
Vegetative debris will be picked up ahead of construction and demolition (C and D) debris, with around three weeks between each pass, according to Benton County.
Here is a breakdown of the debris categories:
- Vegetative Debris:
- Root balls, whole trees, tree stumps, tree branches, tree trunks, leafy material
- Construction and Demolition (C and D) Debris:
- Damaged components of buildings and structures, lumber, wallboard, glass, metal, roofing materials, tile, furnishings, fixtures
Map of pickup schedule for unincorporated areas of Benton County:
"Residents are asked to please place their debris in the public right-of-way now," said Kwok, who emphasized that only debris placed in the public right-of-way will be picked up.
The county is picking up storm debris over multiple passes, so if not all debris is collected during their first visit, residents are asked to just push the remaining pieces to the front for the next pass.
Debris on private roads or within city limits are not eligible for debris pickup, officials report.
Guidelines for leaving debris for pickup:
- Do not block the roadway, utilities, or driveways
- Keep debris at least four feet away from:
- Mailboxes
- Water meters
- Fire hydrants
- Above-ground utilities
- Drainage ditches, swales, pipes, and inlets
- Street signs
- Do not place debris near low hanging powerlines
- Do not place debris near street intersections to ensure safe sight distances.
- Do not put debris on neighbor's property
- Vegetative and C&D debris must be kept separate.
- Do not bag debris. Only loose debris will be collected.
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