Storm Debris Collection Update: July 7, 2025

 

Our storm debris cleanup vendor is on-site, undertaking preliminary work. For safety reasons, and due to the nature of heavy equipment operation, debris removal will not begin until the rainfall subsides.

 

 

Storm Debris Collection Update: June 26, 2025 - In order to give citizens more time to move collected storm debris to the curb, we are pushing the contractor start date from July 1st to July 7th”.  

 

Austin Wood Recycling

The City of Harker Heights has executed a contract with Austin Wood Recycling to serve as the designated vendor for our Storm Debris Cleanup Initiative.

Scope of Work

Austin Wood Recycling will be responsible for the collection of tree debris from the public right-of-way, the safe transportation of this debris to a centralized processing location, tub grinding the collected debris, and its appropriate disposal. It is important to note that the vendor's services under this contract do not extend to private property for the purpose of cutting or gathering debris.

Clean Up Area

Project Timeline

  • Prior to July 7th: Residents are asked to complete the stacking of all tree and brush debris within the public right-of-way adjacent to their residences.
  • Beginning July 7st: The vendor will commence the collection and transportation of tree debris from impacted areas to a central grinding location. This phase is estimated to take approximately two weeks to complete.
  • Following Collection: The vendor will grind the storm debris on-site at the centralized location, then transport and dispose of the processed debris at an approved offsite facility.

Resident Guidelines: Do's and Don'ts

Do's:

  • Before July 7th, place only tree and brush debris of manageable sizes in the right-of-way for pickup.
  • Do not mix tree debris with other materials such as fence slats, wood, metal, or brick, as mixed debris will not be removed.
  • Utilize the City Drop Off & Recycle Center located at 1761 FM 2410 for proper disposal of other debris types. Extended hours are Monday-Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM (temporary hours.) Harker Heights residents may drop off up to two loads per day free of charge.

Don'ts:

  • Do not stack debris on or around existing infrastructure located within the right-of-way. This includes, but is not limited to, mailboxes, fire hydrants, utility pedestals, and street signage.

Important Information

  • This is a one-time cleanup initiative. Once the vendor has cleared a specific lot or area, they will not return to that location. Therefore, it is imperative that all eligible tree debris be placed in the right-of-way by July 7th
  • Austin Wood Recycling representatives will be operating heavy equipment in these areas. For your safety and theirs, please exercise caution and be considerate of their operations.
  • Please be advised that Austin Wood Recycling personnel are contractually prohibited from entering private property (beyond the right-of-way) to remove, cut, or collect debris. Any refusal to perform such tasks is due to the limitations of the City's contract, not an unwillingness to assist.
  • We encourage residents to inform neighbors who may not be aware of this initiative.

Updates

Important updates regarding the two-week cleanup period will be posted on the City of Harker Heights Official Facebook page and accessible via the "Storm Debris Collection Update" link on the City's official website: www.harkerheights.gov.

If you have a concern, special needs, requests or even a concern about a fellow citizen, please contact us with your contact information and any related pictures at [email protected]

The City of Harker Heights appreciates your patience and understanding as we navigate this recovery process.

 

Storm Debris Collection Update: Focused Efforts for Our Community – June 12, 2025

We know the recent storms have caused significant disruption for many of our neighbors, and our hearts go out to everyone affected. We've been working hard to assess the damage and determine the best way to support our community during this recovery period.

The city will be focusing its tree and brush debris collection efforts primarily in the hardest-hit Fuller Lane area (please see the attached map). We appreciate everyone in that area who has already begun moving tree and brush debris to the right-of-way and the Drop Off Facility; your efforts are making a big difference!

For Residents in the Hardest Hit Areas (see map):
If your home is within the designated “Hardest Hit Areas,” you do not need to contact the City. Our vendor will automatically collect tree and brush debris placed in the right-of-way, within this area, as long as it’s there by July 1. (see note “One-Time Collection” below)

For Residents Outside the Designated Area:
If you're outside the mapped zone but still have storm-related tree or brush debris, please:

  • Move the debris to the right-of-way in front of your residence.
  • Take a clear photo of the pile.
  • Email the photo, your address, and contact info to [email protected] before July 1, 2025

***If you have already been in communication with us by Messenger or other means, you don’t need to resubmit.

Important Information Regarding Debris Collection:

  • Tree and Brush Only: Our collection efforts are strictly limited to tree and brush debris. This means we cannot pick up other items like boards, concrete, or bricks. Leaving non-tree debris at the curb could result in a code enforcement issue.
  • Private Property: Please understand that in this situation the city and our contractors cannot enter private property to cut or remove debris. All tree and brush debris must be moved to the right-of-way in front of your property for collection.
  • One-Time Collection: This will be a one-time collection initiative. To ensure all eligible debris is picked up, please have your tree and brush debris staged by July 1st. Our contractors anticipate beginning collection that week. Once the contractor has cleared an area or street, they will not be back to collect more.
  • Drop-Off Facility Still Available: For all types of debris, including non-tree items, our City Drop-Off Facility on FM 2410 remains open with extended hours. Harker Heights residents can dispose of unlimited tree and brush debris and up to two loads of construction-type debris (like concrete, fencing, bricks, etc.) per day, free of charge.

Let's Help Each Other!

We also encourage everyone to check in on their neighbors. If you see someone who might need assistance with their tree and brush debris, please reach out to them. If they need help beyond what you can offer, you can email us their contact information, address, and pictures to [email protected] . We're stronger when we work together.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this recovery process.

CleanUpArea6 12 2025