Milwaukee to collect storm-damaged items curbside, fees waived at drop-off centers

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee officials are urging residents to take storm-damaged items to the city’s drop-off centers following severe flooding. Bulky items will also be collected from the curb, but delays are expected due to a backlog.

The drop-off centers are located at 38th and Lincoln and 66th and Industrial -- they're open from 7 a.m.- 3 p.m. Fees will be waived until Sunday, Aug. 17, for those impacted by the storm. 

Residents can schedule pickups by calling (414) 286-CITY or by using the MKEMobile Action app.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson said in a Monday, Aug. 11 press conference alongside the Milwaukee Department of Public Works, "We’re working through the process to bring aid to people affected by the downpour and flooding that’s ensued."

The recovery process is expected to take weeks or months, and the cost and scope of the damage will determine potential state and federal funding.

On Monday, Aug. 11, lines at the DPW's South center were steady and packed by cars and truck beds filled with damaged items.

“It’s just sign of the times," said Michael Kozlowksi, who was helping a friend affected by the storm dump items. "I mean just things are changing, our atmosphere is changing, lots of weather problems, and a lot of people are being put to the test by it. It’s sad."

A few dumpsters down, Paul Pesci was shaking his head as he lifted up a still-dripping mattress.

“Well, the water was probably about three feet from the basement backed up from the sewers," Pesci said, noting this is the third time he's been hit by a flood in Milwaukee. “You just thank God that you’re alive and you just move forward.”

If you need to get rid of bulky items but can't make it to the center, you can leave them at the regular garbage pickup spot and alert DPW, but expect delays due to a backlog.

Overnight parking rules are suspended through Wednesday, Aug. 13, and will resume Thursday night.

Officials advise those who abandoned vehicles during flooding to check the area where they left them. Flooded vehicles are being moved out of the way, not to the tow lot, and must be relocated within three days.

Below is key information for the community to know:

• To report property damage, such as flooded basements, collapsed walls, or lightning-related incidents within Milwaukee County, please call 211.
• To report flooding, downed trees, or other public damage in the City of Milwaukee, please visit milwaukee.gov/Click4Action.
• The City of Milwaukee’s two trash and recycling drop-off centers are free of charge through Sunday, August 17. The centers will operate under regular hours, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those are located at:
  • South: 3879 W. Lincoln Ave.
  • North: 6660 N. Industrial Rd., enter from Mill Road
• Municipalities across Milwaukee County are also offering options and resources for disposing of damaged items. Connect with your municipality for additional mitigation efforts and resources. •Two Red Cross shelters are open in Milwaukee offering food, power and more, located at: oHoller Park, 5151 S. 6th St. oWashington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St.

Take steps to keep yourself safe and informed:

• Do not walk into the floodwater. Floodwater may be contaminated with sewage, have contact with live electrical wires, contain hidden debris, or have a strong current.
• Do not drive on flooded streets.
• When cleaning up debris, wear boots and gloves and thoroughly wash your hands after.
• If your residence is without power, disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges, keep freezers and refrigerators closed to keep food safe, and make alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• To reduce the risk of wastewater backing up into the basements of homes and businesses, limit water usage by holding off on washing dishes and laundry and taking shorter showers.