Shawnee, Oklahoma, April 28, 2023 – The City of Shawnee is postponing the monthly bulk trash pickup for May 2023 to make room for the storm debris removal firms DRC and DebrisTech to begin their efforts.

Due to damages the City of Shawnee (COS) sustained from the April 19, 2023 tornado, and with debris removal starting next week, the City is postponing the monthly bulk trash pickup for Shawnee residential sanitation customers for the month of May 2023. This pickup would normally have occurred the week of May 1-5, 2023, on the resident’s regular trash day. It will be rescheduled at a later date.

Residents may still utilize the once-per-month service at the Transfer Station at 700 East 45^th Street with trash unrelated to the storm debris by taking up to 3 yards (one level truck bed full) to the Transfer Station with a copy of their most recent utility bill and their ID. For more details, visit the City’s website at https://www.shawneeok.org/government/departments/utilities_(sma)/solid_waste_recycling.php.

Residents are encouraged to put any storm related debris at the curb, and the disaster relief company will pick it up starting next week. Please follow the FEMA debris removal guidelines at https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/graphics/fema_debris-removal-graphic.jpgand.

To expedite the debris removal process, FEMA recommends:

• Debris separation into the following categories:
  • Large Appliances – refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher. Be sure doors are sealed or secured.
  • Construction Debris – building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing.
  • Vegetative Debris – tree branches, leaves, logs, plants.
  • Hazardous Waste – oil, battery, pesticide, paint, cleaning supplies, compressed gas.
  • Electronics – television, computer, stereo, phone, DVD player.
• Never touch, cut, or remove downed powerlines, or place debris on them.
• Placing debris near or on trees, poles, or other structures makes removal difficult. Also place debris away from water and gas meters, and fire hydrants.
• Debris should be placed curbside without blocking the roadway or access to the property.

Residents are reminded not to burn debris within City limits. This is a serious safety hazard. More information will be added to the City of Shawnee website as it becomes available. Please check the website for updates.

If you have questions about the postponing of the bulk trash pickup or the storm debris removal process, or need more information, please contact Andrea Weckmueller-Behringer, City Manager, City of Shawnee at (405) 878-1601 or Andrea.Weckmueller-Behringer@ShawneeOK.org.