Updated: Snowstorm Debris Pick-Up Schedule

Starting this week, the Town of Bethel begin collecting debris from the late October snowstorm.

According First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker last week, "only brush and branches will be picked up. Crews will not go on private property to pick up any debris. This is a requirement by FEMA for the Town to receive reimbursement."

All storm debris shall be brought to within 5 feet of the curb. Do not place debris near mailboxes, utility poles, wires, fire hydrants or block sidewalks. Only tree related debris will be picked up along town maintained roads. If any debris such as fencing or decking is found in the piles, it will not be picked up. If you live along a State DOT maintained roadway, these areas will be cleared by CT DOT.

The Public Works Department has released the following schedule, as pulled from the attached map:

"Due to the scope of this debris removal project and being very close to our winter snow removal operations, completion of this project in a timely manner is important," the Public Works release said. "We may leave a few small branches or limbs on your lawn during our clean-up, as we use large machinery to pick-up the piles. We ask that all property owners dispose of left over material in a proper manner."

Residents are also encouraged to remove and dispose of brush through their own means or by bringing it to the transfer station during normal business hours. There is no fee for Bethel residents with proof of residency.

Public Works also said that "due to the debris pick up project from thee storm, the leaf pick up schedule has be suspended until further notice. Thank you for your understanding."

Knickerbocker added this week that: "This is a one time only pickup due to the extenuating circumstances pertaining to this storm. The town is not ordinarily responsible for debris on private property. This is a one time consideration due to the amount of debris left behind following the storm."

"Please do not take this opportunity to conduct routine pruning of other trees on your property, and we ask for everyone's strict cooperation on this request.  Debris not related to the storm could jeopardize the town's FEMA reimbursement that will be needed to partially offset the already significant costs related to storm cleanup. Please insure that no other non-tree material is mixed in to your brush pile (damaged picnic tables, deck railings, etc). These will not be picked up."

"Please bring your materials out to the curb as soon as possible, regardless of the date scheduled for your neighborhood.  Our highway department personnel will be working seven days per week to clear the town as quickly as they can, and they could possibly move into your neighborhood ahead of schedule."

For more information, contact the Bethel Public Works Department at 203-794-8549.