The most useful thing to do before a collection is to separate green waste from everything else. Keep branches, leaves, clippings and old wood in one area, and set aside anything that is not plant material, such as pots, plastic, wire or treated timber.
If a storm has brought down a limb or a whole tree, leave the debris where it is and keep people away from it. Call 0475 463 597 and the 24/7 emergency service can assess the site. Before any tree removal, check whether Blue Mountains City Council requires a permit for your property.
To cut down future piles, try composting soft waste like leaves and kitchen-garden scraps. Grasscycling, which means leaving mulched clippings on the lawn, also reduces how much needs to be carted away. The crew can advise which material is worth keeping as mulch and which should go.