Wheaton's one-time citywide storm debris pickup is done, about two weeks after the Monday, July 27 tornado toppled trees across the city.
Public works crews finished clearing storm-damaged branches from curbs in all incorporated areas, the city announced Tuesday, Aug. 11. One stretch remains: Gables Boulevard between Childs and Commerce streets, where active construction and large equipment have blocked access. The city said crews will return to that section but did not give a specific date.
The special pickup, which required residents to have branches curbside by 7 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3, went beyond the city's normal yard waste service. As we reported July 28, the city organized the pass in response to widespread tornado damage that also sent trees crashing into streets and flooded roadways across Wheaton. ComEd estimated at the time that 80% of DuPage County power would be restored by noon July 29.
The July 27 tornado was the second storm in less than a month to damage trees in Wheaton. A Sunday, July 5 storm also caused significant tree damage, prompting a separate city alert reminding property owners that crews collect debris only from city-owned parkway trees, not private property.
What to do if your debris was missed
Residents who set branches out after crews already passed, or who have additional storm-damaged limbs, have two options:
- Use the regular LRS curbside yard waste program. Collection runs through mid-December. Details are on the city's yard waste page.
- Hire a landscaper or arborist to haul away larger debris from private property.
Parkway tree damage
The city is responsible for maintaining parkway trees, the strip generally between the sidewalk and the street. Residents who spot storm damage to a parkway tree can file a report through the city's online service request form at wheaton.il.us/servicerequest. City crews will continue addressing parkway tree damage in the coming weeks, according to Shaw Local.
Residents on Gables Boulevard between Childs and Commerce should leave their debris curbside; crews plan to return once construction equipment is cleared.
