Debris Options for Cookeville, Putnam County Residents

Cookeville Public Works and Putnam County Solid Waste are both anticipating a lot of ice storm debris as the weather warms up.

Both departments have drop off sites, but only Cookeville picks up brush and tree debris. Cookeville Public Works Director Greg Brown said residents need to be patient if they’re expecting items to be picked up.

“I anticipate there’s going to be a lot of brush,” Brown said. “So, when you put it on the side of the road they’re not gonna be there probably within a week. Unless they just happen to be where it’s right out in front of the truck. So, it will be just like any other storm, when there’s a lot of brush out it takes more time.”

Brown said debris can be hauled and dumped at the West Jackson Street location by city residents. For county residents, Solid Waste Director Doug Ashburn said residents can bring their debris to the landfill on Cookeville Boat Dock Road.

Ashburn said any length of debris is fine if it can fit onto a trailer while being hauled. Treated wood, utility poles, and fencing are not allowed to be mixed in with brush or yard debris.