Final pickup beginning for Cedar Rapids flood debris

The city reminds owners of flooded properties that the pickkup of residential flood debris ends Nov. 26.

Crews will begin making a final pass through flood-affected neighborhoods beginning Wednesday. Once the contractor has cleaned up a street, he will not be returning.

To date, the crews have removed 41,538 tons of residential flood debris since the June 2008 flood. The work was provided in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the contract is ending.

For pickup, flood debris must be divided into five piles: appliances (including air conditioners, furnaces and water heaters); household hazardous waste such as paints, solvents, pesticides and fertilizer; electronics such as comptuers, stereos and toaster ovens; scrap metal such as pots and pans, exercise equipment and patio furniture; and garbage, which includes furniture, household belongings, damaged drywall, plaster, wood lathing, wood decking, toys, etc.

Questions concerning flood debris collection can be directed to the Solid Waste and Recycling Division at (319) 286-5897.