Clearing the mess; why's my cable out?

If you're in mop-up mode after last week's windstorm, you've probably got questions about garbage pickup, yard waste, phone service and other issues.

We've got answers.

Garbage, recycling and yard waste

Rabanco/Allied Waste and Waste Management customers: If your garbage and recycling haven't been collected by the end of your service day, a double load will be collected on your next regular collection day at no additional charge.

The exception is for city of Seattle customers, whose containers are picked up the next day after a missed pickup.

If you live in Seattle, the city will collect extra storm-related yard debris and branches at no charge through the end of December. Tree debris must be less than 6 feet in length and less than 4 inches in diameter. Piles can be bundled together with string or twine.

For help with larger volumes that can't be set out with waste containers, call the city's Adopt-a-Street hotline: 206-684-7647.

Check with your city or the companies below for additional information:

Rabanco/Allied Waste: 425-646-2400; www.rabanco.comWaste Management:

800-592-9995; www.wmnorthwest.com/washington.html

Wind-damaged structures

King County is offering free wind-damage structural inspections to residents in unincorporated areas. To request a damage inspection, call 206-296-6630 during business hours or 206-296-6615 after hours.

For damage within a city's limits, contact your city's building department.

Phone, cable service

Qwest Washington and Verizon said virtually all customers are back in service now.

Comcast's crews were repairing downed lines to restore cable service.

Many customers are asking why their cable service is out even after power has been restored. In some cases, the cable line serving your neighborhood or home still may be damaged or power may still be out to transmission equipment for your neighborhood.