DEM Offers Guidance On Handling Tree Waste

In response to the recent emergency storm events, the Department of Environmental Management is providing guidance to municipalities so that they can manage the tree waste that can not be cut and chipped at the point-of-generation. Three options are available to all municipalities. Through this temporary emergency approval process, municipalities may take the tree waste to a designated location for processing and short-term, temporary storage.

Option 1

Take the tree waste to the Central Landfill in Johnston, as described in the August 26, 2011 letter from the RI Resource Recovery Corporation to all municipal customers.  

Option 2

For those municipalities that have existing registered compost facilities and solid waste management facilities, DEM is granting an automatic increase and waiving each facility’s annual quantity limit for a period of 90 days. No formal request is required, however the facility shall continue to be managed in accordance with any fire protection provisions and the facility shall seek approval from the local fire chief. In addition, the facility shall continue to be managed in order to prevent any odors or run-off from leaving the property.

Option 3

For those municipalities that do not have an existing registered compost facility or solid waste management facility, the municipality may designate a location for a temporary storage and chipping operations site for a period of 90 days.  Municipalities must notify DEM and the local fire chief of the location of this temporary operations site.

Pile sizes for brush and chipped wood shall be approved by the local fire chief within 14 days once operation commences. In addition, the temporary storage site shall prevent any odors or run-off from leaving the site.

Other Information

DEM is working with other state agencies to provide regional temporary collection facilities for green waste.  Further updates will be provided.