City Declared State of Emergency
Free Debris Disposal Options Available Through August 10
OWATONNA, Minn., July 30, 2025 – In response to the significant tree damage in Owatonna from severe storms, wind and rain July 28, the City of Owatonna has declared a state of emergency and is providing free options for property owners to dispose of downed trees and branches.
The City of Owatonna’s Resolution #37-25 was signed July 29 and is expected to be fully ratified by the City Council at its August 6 meeting. The resolution is needed to access state funding to help address storm damage. Emergency response efforts are being coordinated with Steele County. City staff began assessing storm damage early in the morning on July 29. Crews were promptly reassigned to devote resources to clearing storm debris from streets, parks, trails and public property. Now that all city streets have been cleared and are all open for traffic, damage in parks and on trails is being assessed. Parks are being reopened as staff determine they are safe to use.
Due to the emergency disaster declaration, the City of Owatonna is providing free pick-up of storm-related tree debris through August 10. City crews will pick up storm-damaged limbs and trunks of any diameter from private properties in Owatonna. Branches must be trimmed from trunks and trunks must be under eight feet long. This debris must be stacked parallel to the curb to ensure efficient and safe pick-up. Other types of debris will not be picked up. Debris will be collected citywide; therefore, property owners do not need to call to arrange pick-up.
The City arranged for fees to be waived through August 10 for storm-related debris to be dropped off at By the Yard compost facility at 400 32nd Avenue West. Please call 507.475.4385 for additional information. Any storm debris that is not placed curbside before August 10 is the responsibility of the property owner. The City is responsible for maintaining trees along the boulevards and will clear storm debris from those areas. Storm damage to public property is being assessed. As community members address storm damage on private property, they are asked to keep leaves and branches from streets where debris can clog stormwater drains.
For ongoing updates on storm recovery efforts, please visit owatonna.gov, follow the City of Owatonna on Facebook or email info@owatonna.gov. Sign up to receive news releases immediately when they are distributed by using Notify Me on the website.
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