KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — After an EF2 tornado struck West Knox County and cleanup efforts have been underway creating piles of green waste like brush and limbs from fallen and twisted trees, the county government shared that it will soon offer a free program to haul it away.

In a news release sent out on August 14, Knox County announced that it is offering a free, one-time assistance program to help county residents remove green waste from private property after last week’s tornado. With the program, the county will pick up green waste from county and Town and Farragut residents.

Knox County will begin removing green waste on August 29. To request green waste pickup, call Knox County Engineering and Public Works at 865-215-5800 by 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 28.

There are some restrictions that county residents must follow for green waste pickup:

  • The green waste must consist of trees, limbs, brush, etc. only
  • The green waste must fit into the bed of a standard-sized garbage truck.
  • Overly large tree sections measuring more than six feet will not be accepted.
  • All green waste must be placed in a public right-of-way and not on private property.

“These storms had a major impact as they passed through,” Glenn Jacobs, Knox County Mayor, stated in the release. “While we are appreciative of the immense support from the nonprofit and faith-based communities, community volunteers, and friendly neighbors, we’ve gotten a lot of calls about this need and are happy to be taking steps to provide it.”

The county added that all brush must be placed at the curb in the public right of way before pickup begins on Tuesday.

During the pickup process, the county plans for Phillips and Jordan to service the hardest-hit areas, such as northwest Knox County, while Knox County Engineering and Public Works crews will service the remaining areas.

Assistance is not being offered at properties within Knoxville city limits, the county says, as the city already provides a similar service. Green waste from commercial properties, construction and building materials, or demolition waste cannot be picked up due to cost and logistics. 

For specific inquiries or to request green waste pickup, please call Knox County Engineering and Public Works at 865-215-5800.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated.