Lee County has collected 63,000 cubic yards of debris in the first 10 days since post-Hurricane Irma cleanup began. The county is working to create a schedule to show residents when each area of the county can expect to have its first pass-through of debris collection.
There are 2,436 miles of county roads that have storm-related horticultural debris to be removed. Lee County anticipates its first pass of horticulture debris collection from the storm will be completed within a month.
Lee County’s debris-management hauler, Crowder Gulf, is picking up debris, currently in the San Carlos Park and East Lee County areas of Alva, Buckingham and Lehigh Acres. Lee County is working to open more debris staging sites as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, many of the pre-certified sites the county had before the storm are under water or very wet due to the significant rainfall in August and September.
Crowder Gulf has 20 double-barrel debris collection trucks and 34 bucket trucks on the roads now. It is anticipating 10 more double-barrel trucks by the weekend, with more on the way as the county ramps up collection efforts.
Debris from Hurricane Irma should be separated between horticultural (yard waste) and construction & demolition (C&D or structural waste). It does not have to be bundled or cut to length. Do not place piles on sidewalks (particularly in areas of school bus stops) or near mailboxes, fire hydrants or trees in case a clam bucket is used to pick up the pile. See www.leegov.com/solidwaste for more information and a diagram of proper set out.
You can help speed the cleanup by placing yard waste that is in compliance out for weekly collection by your regular hauler. This includes yard waste that is bagged, bundled and tied, or in containers. Each bag, bundle or container needs to weigh less than 50 pounds. Bundles need to be less than six feet. Palm fronds can be stacked in neat piles at the curb.
Lee County is working to pick up debris from private gated communities. A right of entry form will have to be signed by the gated community’s HOA in order to collect the debris curbside. HOAs can contact Solid Waste at 239-533-8970. Communities should not consolidate the debris in common areas, as this may make it ineligible for collection.