Dealing With Storm Debris in the Northern Rivers
Living in the Northern Rivers means accepting that storm season — typically November through March — will leave its mark. Cyclonic winds, heavy rain, and flash flooding can dump enormous amounts of green waste across your property in a single night. Here's how to handle the aftermath.
Assess the Damage Safely
Before you start cleaning up, take stock of what you're dealing with:
- Stay away from fallen powerlines — call Essential Energy on 13 20 80 immediately
- Check for structural damage — fallen trees on roofs or fences need professional assessment
- Watch for wildlife — displaced snakes and spiders are common after storms in the Northern Rivers
- Document everything — take photos for insurance claims before you start clearing
What Counts as Green Waste?
Green waste includes fallen branches, leaves, palm fronds, bark, grass clippings, and small tree limbs. It does not include treated timber, painted wood, soil, rocks, or tree stumps — these are classified differently and cost more to dispose of.
Council Green Waste Options
After major storm events, local councils sometimes offer additional green waste collection services:
- Byron Shire Council — green waste bins are collected fortnightly. After declared natural disasters, supplementary kerbside collections may be arranged. Check council's website or call 02 6626 7000.
- Tweed Shire Council — offers a green waste bin and periodic free green waste drop-off days at the Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre.
- Ballina Shire Council — green waste bins collected fortnightly, with the Ballina Waste Management Centre on Southern Cross Drive accepting green waste.
The problem? After a big storm, everyone's bins are overflowing and council collections can't keep up. You might be waiting weeks with a yard full of debris.
DIY Green Waste Disposal
If you have a trailer, you can take green waste to your local tip. The Myocum Resource Recovery Centre charges around $6 per cubic metre for clean green waste. But there's a catch — after storms, tip queues can be hours long, and you'll be competing with every other resident in the shire.
For smaller amounts, consider hiring a mulcher. Several hire companies in Mullumbimby and Bangalow offer wood chippers by the day. Turn your storm debris into garden mulch — your garden beds will thank you.
Professional Green Waste Removal
When the volume is too much for your green bin and you don't have a trailer, professional green waste removal is the practical choice. Vanish Rubbish Removal handles storm cleanup across the entire Northern Rivers — from Tweed Heads down to Ballina and inland to Mullumbimby.
We bring the right equipment to handle large branches, full tree canopies, and massive volumes of leaf litter. We sort everything on-site and ensure green waste goes to composting facilities, not landfill.
Preventing Future Storm Damage
Between storm seasons, take these steps to reduce future cleanup:
- Trim overhanging branches — especially near roofs, powerlines, and fences
- Remove dead trees — dead timber is the first to come down in high winds
- Clear gutters regularly — blocked gutters cause water damage during heavy rain
- Secure loose items — outdoor furniture, trampolines, and bins become projectiles in strong winds
Need Help With Storm Cleanup?
Don't spend your weekend wrestling with fallen branches. Call Vanish Rubbish Removal on 0468 000 922 for a fast quote on green waste removal anywhere in the Northern Rivers. We offer same-day service when you need it most.