Knox County will offer a free, one-time assistance program to help county homeowners remove green waste from private property in response to the tornado that recently touched down in the community.

The county will pick up green waste only—trees, limbs, and brush, etc.—generated from county residents’ private property and those living in the town of Farragut. Assistance is not being offered properties within Knoxville city limits as the city already provides a similar service regularly.

Green waste must fit into the bed of a standard-sized dump truck. Overly large tree sections (longer than 6 feet) will not be accepted. All green waste must be placed in the public right of way and not on private property.

“These storms had a major impact as they passed through,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. “While we are appreciative of the immense support from the non-profit and faith-based communities, community volunteers, and friendly neighbors, we’ve gotten a lot of calls about this need and are happy to be taking steps to provide it.”

The proposal for and contract with emergency green waste collection facilitator Phillips and Jordan will be brought before Knox County Commission at their next meeting; the service should begin shortly after and be ongoing for about two weeks.

Phillips and Jordan will service the hardest hit areas, such as northwest Knox County. Knox County Engineering and Public Works crews will service the remaining areas.

The county will post a definitive timeline at https://www.knoxcounty.org/  in the coming days.

Green waste from commercial properties, construction and building materials, or demolition waste cannot be picked up due to cost and logistics. However, homeowners can take small amounts of this type of debris to the county’s seven convenience centers.

For specific inquiries or to request green waste pickup, please call Knox County Engineering and Public Works at 865-215-5800.

Additionally, residents are encouraged to sign up for the Emergency Notification System, which sends alerts via text, email, and/or voice call. Register at the link https://www.knoxcounty.org/alert/index.php or by calling the City of Knoxville’s 311 service line (865-215-4311).