Township asks for resident cooperation in removal of storm debris

Due to the large amount of fallen trees and debris in The Woodlands following last week's thunderstorms, in addition to the material generated by trees damaged from the 2011 drought, The Woodlands Township is asking for residents' help in removing debris from their yards.

Waste Management will collect smaller bundled limbs or debris left at the curb in containers, according to The Woodlands Township Assistant General Manager John Powers.

"The county is picking up debris material on all major roadways," added Powers in a news release. "The township and its contractors are handling debris generated from township property. For large tree materials on residential lots, the removal must be taken care of by the property owner or their removal contractors. Please do not dump any materials onto public property."

Park Order 019-09 states that it is illegal to dump tree debris in open space reserves, with a penalty of up to $500 per day.

The Woodlands Township staff is working with Montgomery County and other officials to assess damage and clear public areas. Township staff is also advising all residents to use caution when traveling on the pathways or when visiting parks throughout the community.

For downed trees on private property, tree removal is the responsibility of the property owner. Yard debris not weighing more than 40 pounds may be bundled in 4-foot bundles and put at the curb for the next scheduled yard waste pickup. Limbs cannot be larger than 4 inches in diameter.

The Precinct 3 Recycling Center, located at 1122 Pruitt Road in Spring, will accept larger tree trunks and debris. The center is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Woodlands Township Recycling Center, located at 5310 Research Forest Drive, will be open from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and can also accept larger yard debris.

All yard trimmings should be at the curb by 7 a.m. on pickup day and at least 4 feet from the 96-gallon carts. No additional service tags are required.

For grass clippings, leaves and prunings, no petroleum-based plastic bags can be used, and all waste must be bagged in certified compostable bags that meet ASTM-6400 standards. These are currently available at Kroger, Randalls, H.E.B., Target, Ace Hardware and Sears Hardware. Clippings can be placed in an open container or 32-gallon container, such as a traditional trashcan, but can weigh no more than 40 pounds.

Other recycling facilities for yard and tree waste include the Harris County Precinct 4 Spring Camp 14 Public Dumpster, located at 4603 Spring Cypress Road; Nature's Way, located at 101 Sherbrook Circle; and Timber Solutions-Mulch Yard, located at 11355 SH 242.

To report downed trees in the township, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, click on "Service Request" and then "Parks and Recreation," or call 281-210-3800.