Gallatin, Sumner Counties Focus on Cleanup After Winter Storm Fern

Public works departments face massive debris removal efforts expected to take weeks or months

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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As Winter Storm Fern fades into memory, the damage left behind will require cleanup work for several weeks, if not months, according to Gallatin Public Works Superintendent Richard Depriest. The Public Works Department has already picked up 1,000 cubic yards of debris, but Depriest says that's just a small fraction of what's out there. Sumner County Road Superintendent Toby Ellis says crews will be working to clear debris for the next 8-10 weeks, calling it 'one of the worst events in our history'.

Why it matters

The widespread damage from the winter storm has left communities across Tennessee facing a massive cleanup effort. With debris scattered throughout neighborhoods, the public works departments in Gallatin and Sumner County are mobilizing significant resources to collect and dispose of the waste, while also providing guidance to residents on the cleanup process.

The details

Gallatin Public Works has split the city into four sections and has 16 trucks repeatedly making the rounds to collect debris. Depriest says the department only handles locations within the Gallatin city limits, while the Sumner County Highway Department is responsible for county addresses. Sumner County residents can drag debris to the right-of-way and call the highway department to request a pickup. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance has also provided tips for filing insurance claims for storm damage.

  • As of Monday, February 10, 2026, Gallatin Public Works had already picked up 1,000 cubic yards of debris, which amounted to 85 truckloads.
  • Sumner County Road Superintendent Toby Ellis says crews will be working to clear debris for the next 8-10 weeks.

The players

Richard Depriest

Gallatin Public Works Superintendent, overseeing the city's debris cleanup efforts.

Toby Ellis

Sumner County Road Superintendent, responsible for coordinating debris removal in the county.

Paige Brown

Gallatin Mayor, who agreed with the public works department's decision to focus on cleanup efforts rather than the scheduled bulk pickup.

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What they’re saying

“As of Monday morning, we had already picked up 1,000 cubic yards of debris, which amounted to 85 truckloads. It sounds like a lot — but it's not a drop in the bucket compared to what's out there.”

— Richard Depriest, Gallatin Public Works Superintendent (mainstreetmediatn.com)

“This is one of the worst events in our history. So please be courteous, kind, and patient—and we'll get to you.”

— Toby Ellis, Sumner County Road Superintendent (mainstreetmediatn.com)

“The members of our community have always been eager to help their neighbors, and I feel sure this will hold true for the winter storm cleanup as well.”

— Paige Brown, Gallatin Mayor (mainstreetmediatn.com)

What’s next

The City of Gallatin is seeking volunteers to assist with the cleanup efforts, and residents can start by visiting tinyurl.com/sumnercorelief and filling out the online form.

The takeaway

The widespread damage from Winter Storm Fern has left public works departments in Gallatin and Sumner County facing a massive cleanup effort that will take weeks or even months to complete. The communities are rallying together to support the cleanup process, with residents encouraged to prepare their debris for pickup and volunteer opportunities available.