Lee County continues regular trash collection and storm debris cleanup while monitoring the tropics.
Fort Myers, FL, Oct. 2, 2024 – Lee County Solid Waste plans to continue to pick up debris from Hurricane Helene through the week and into the weekend. In addition, LCSW has resumed normal residential garbage, recycling, and yard collections in all assessable areas.
Lee County will be picking up as much storm debris, as quick as possible, before possible inclement weather over the weekend. Lee County Solid Waste will continue normal operations throughout the weekend barring weather conditions. Crews will not pick up during lightning events.
As a reminder, residents are being asked to place their debris at the curbside in separate piles. Debris should not block roadways and should be placed away from all obstacles such as mailboxes, powerlines, and fire hydrants. Debris should not be placed in plastic bags and should be separated into five piles:
-- Electronics: Television, computer, stereo, phone, DVD player, etc.
-- Large Appliances: Refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher, etc.
-- Vegetative Debris: Tree branches, logs, leaves, plants, etc.
-- Construction Debris: Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing, etc.
Household garbage and recycling should be placed away from hurricane debris and only placed at the curbside on your normal collection date, regardless of location. Regular collections continue as scheduled.
Lee County has contracted multiple double barrel trucks to help collect hurricane debris.
Also, please separate any household hazardous waste such as oil, battery, pesticide, paint, cleaning supplies, compressed gas, etc. Do not set it at the curb. Instead, bring it to the Household Chemical and Electronic Recycling Facility, 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers 33966. Check www.leegov.com/solidwaste for hours of operation.
In the light of the storm, the county reminds residents that illegal dumping is punishable by law. Prior to the storm, illegal dumping had been an ongoing issue in some areas of Lee County. Fueled by empty lots, rapid growth and ongoing construction, the problem has led to unsightly messes. After hurricanes, proper disposal is critical. Do not dump hurricane debris in empty lots or wooded areas.
Anyone who sees illegal dumping occurring is asked to call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 239-477-1000. For questions on how to properly dispose of debris, contact Lee County Solid Waste customer service at 239-533-8000 or visit at www.leegov.com/solidwaste
Residents who download the Recycle Coach app may receive push notifications for updated information. To learn more: www.leecounty.gov/recyclecoach.
As residents place debris out for collection, please remember:
Any unincorporated Lee County residents or businesses within the Special Flood Hazard Area with any damage to their homes or businesses, including water intrusion, must obtain a permit for all repairs. Email FIRMinfo@leegov.com for assistance with permit requirements and resources, and be sure to include the following information:
-- Contact information
-- Property address
-- Type of damage
-- Height of the water that entered the home
Residents also can find more information at www.leegov.com/dcd/BldPermitServ/disaster-recovery or by calling 239-533-8948.
The Department of Community Development will be opening a temporary, remote permit office on Pine Island soon – like the county did after Hurricane Ian – for service for Matlacha-Pine Island residents to obtain permits for repairs to existing buildings damaged by Hurricane Helene. The remote location means staff will be readily accessible to help islanders navigate the permit process, especially those residents without internet service.
The location, days and hours will be announced soon. Monitor www.leegov.com/storm as well as Lee County’s social media and local media outlets.
The county may add additional temporary, remote permitting office locations elsewhere in unincorporated Lee County as needed.
