After Winter Storm Mara caused freezing temperatures and over half an inch of ice accumulation in the Austin area, hundreds of thousands of people were left without power—some for almost two weeks—and thousands of tons of debris were left throughout the area.

The Austin Resource Recovery department said more debris was picked up in the week following Winter Storm Mara then the entire Winter Storm Uri—the deadly winter storm that hit Austin in February 2021—cleanup period.

As of Feb. 16, more than 34,828 tons of debris had been collected in Austin, according to ARR, which represents an estimated half of the total debris caused by the storm.

Below are some resources for cleanup and to get further assistance.

Austin


Austin Resource Recovery: Information about storm debris pickup and drop-off locations can be found here. Austin residents can report pickup needs to 311 over the phone or through the city's app.

For pickup, Austin Resource Recovery states:
  • Branches and limbs should be between 5 and 15 feet in length. Branches and limbs longer than 15 feet should be cut down.
  • Debris should not block fire hydrants.
  • Tree trunks thicker than 8 inches in diameter should be cut down to 3 feet long or less.
  • Stack loosely along the curb in one row, not more than 15 feet across and no higher than 4 feet, with cut ends facing the street.
  • Do not block the sidewalk or extend into the street.
  • To prevent damage to your property, keep items 5 feet away from your trash cart, mailbox, fences or walls, water meter, telephone connection box and parked cars. Do not place any items under low-hanging tree limbs or power lines.
The Austin Disaster Relief Network will provide support for those who cannot clean up the debris on their own. Those in need can fill out this forum or call 512-806-0800.

Travis County

The county has several drop-off locations for tree debris.
  • Mansfield Dam Park, 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Road, Austin
  • The Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant, 2210 FM 973, Austin
  • Northeast Metropolitan Park, 15500 Sun Light Near Way, Pflugerville
Unincorporated residents can find information about roads already scheduled for brush pickup or report a needed service here.


Dripping Springs

Waste Connection customers within Dripping Springs can have debris picked up on normal bulk and brush days. Debris must be placed curbside on specified days, cut 4-5 feet max in length and not bundled to weigh more than 50 pounds.

Dripping Springs Ranch Park has reopened for Dripping Springs residents to dispose of trees.

Williamson County


The county is encouraging residents to report damage to the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

As for private property, residents are responsible for removing tree limbs and debris. Homeowners may take clean brush to the Williamson County Landfill at 600 Landfill Road, Hutto. The normal charge for clean brush or wood is $8.64 per cubic yard.