Fitchburg Establishes Temporary Brush Disposal Site Following Storm Damage | The Locally Times
The City of Fitchburg has opened a temporary drop-off location for storm-related debris that will remain operational until June 22.
The City of Fitchburg has officially opened a temporary site for residents to dispose of brush and tree limbs resulting from recent severe weather events. This facility is scheduled to remain open for public use through June 22, providing a centralized location for storm cleanup efforts. The facility will operate on a schedule that includes 7 days per week, with daily hours running from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Access to the site is restricted to residents of Fitchburg, and individuals must provide proof of residency, such as a driver's license or a utility bill showing a 53711 or 53713 zip code. The city has explicitly stated that this service is intended solely for brush and tree limbs, with a maximum diameter of 12 inches for any individual piece of wood. Materials such as grass clippings, leaves, soil, or construction debris are strictly prohibited and will not be accepted at this location. The city administration has noted that this initiative is part of a broader effort to manage the 100% increase in debris volume observed across the municipality following the recent storms. While the service is provided at no additional cost to residents, the city estimates that the operational expenses for staffing and site maintenance will reach approximately $15,000 over the 3-week period. Residents are advised that they must unload their own vehicles, as city staff will not be available to assist with the physical labor of moving debris. Furthermore, all trailers used to transport materials must be emptied completely, and any plastic bags or containers used to transport the brush must be removed from the site by the resident. The City of Fitchburg Department of Public Works is monitoring the site to ensure compliance with these 5 primary rules of operation. If residents have questions regarding the disposal process, they are encouraged to contact the municipal office at 608-270-4260. The city will continue to evaluate the volume of debris collected through June 22 to determine if any further extensions or additional services are required. By providing this resource, the city aims to mitigate the risk of fire hazards and property damage associated with large piles of downed wood. All participants are expected to follow the posted signage at the 2373 South Fish Hatchery Road entrance to ensure safe traffic flow for the 50 to 100 vehicles expected to visit the site daily. The city remains committed to maintaining public safety and environmental standards throughout the duration of this cleanup project.