BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — On Monday, April 27, a storm swept through the City of Battle Creek with strong winds that toppled trees and scattered limbs across the city. That same evening, city crews began a coordinated cleanup effort—launching an ongoing quest to restore safe, passable streets for all. 

Like any good quest, the cleanup will unfold in phases. Crews are first focused on clearing streets and addressing immediate hazards. As the effort continues, it will expand into a citywide storm debris pickup, when residents will be invited to place storm‑related limbs and brush at the curb for collection. 

Weeks of April 27 & May 4: Clearing the path 

Before we can collect the shrubbery, the path must be cleared. 

City crews will continue focusing on street clearing and hazard removal, addressing downed trees and limbs affecting public roads. This phase prioritizes safe travel and restoring access in areas hit hardest by the storm. 

As of Wednesday, April 29, the following roads remain closed due to downed trees and power lines: 

• Betz Road, near 12875 
• Hubbard Avenue & Waubascon Street 
• School Street 

Week of May 11: the call for shrubbery goes citywide 

Once the streets are cleared, the quest expands. 

The citywide storm debris cleanup begins the week of May 11. This is when neighbors are invited to present their finest fallen shrubbery for pickup. 

To prepare your offering: 

• Place storm‑related tree limbs and brush at the edge of the road or curb lawn 
• Crews will make only one pass through each neighborhood. 
• Stumps, construction materials, and non-storm-related items will not be collected. 
• Crews cannot assist with debris removal from private property 

Ongoing yard waste pickup (year-round option) 

For smaller or ongoing cleanup needs, neighbors within the city limits may continue using the unlimited yard waste pickup program year‑round, provided accepted collection methods are used: 

• 96-gallon cart rental from Republic Services. 
• Personal bins with a visible yard waste sticker (Available for free at City Hall, 10 N. Division St., and the Department of Public Works, 150 S. Kendall St.) 
• Biodegradable paper yard waste bags, filled to the marked line and folded to prevent spillage. 

Accepted materials: Leaves, grass clippings, and other organic yard waste; branches no larger than four inches in diameter and no longer than four feet in length; and each bag or bin must weigh no more than 50 pounds. 

Thank you for preparing your curbside offerings and helping restore safe, passable streets across Battle Creek. 

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