Kankakee, IL – Residents across Kankakee County have just days to move storm debris to the curb, with a firm deadline of Monday, March 30, as crews work through neighborhoods following recent severe storms and tornado damage.
According to the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management Agency, all debris must be placed in the public right-of-way before that deadline, with collection crews making limited passes through each zone. Officials say crews will prioritize tree and organic debris first, followed by general household and construction materials.
Strict separation rules are now in effect. Residents must sort debris into individual piles, including tree debris, appliances, electronics, construction materials, and metals. Refrigerators, freezers, and AC units must be placed separately, with doors removed if possible. Mixed debris piles will not be collected.
Items such as hazardous waste, propane tanks, bricks, and regular household trash will not be picked up. Debris should be placed 2 to 4 feet off the roadway without blocking mailboxes, hydrants, or utility access points.
Crews have already removed more than 40,000 cubic yards of debris—equivalent to roughly 2,000 to 2,600 dump truck loads—but officials stress cooperation is critical to keep cleanup on schedule. Additional updates may follow as collection progresses zone by zone.
