(941) 479-8181

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Lindsey Sampson, Lee County Solid Waste 941-479-8181 Bill Newmann, Lee County Solid Waste 942-479-8181

NEW GARBAGE HAULERS COMING TO LEE COUNTY

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 21, 2000) - To provide a high standard of service and competitive rates for Lee County residents, the Solid Waste Division has completed the bidding and selection process for new solid waste hauling contractors in Lee County. As a result of this process, Florida Recycling Services, Inc. (FRS), and Superior Services, Inc. (SSI) are the new hauling companies for residences in unincorporated Lee County, Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs. The two new hauling companies will begin operations October 1, 2000. Important information about changes to individual routes and days will be mailed to residents this week.

The county is divided into five Solid Waste Franchise Areas to allow for better service and lower costs. This is done by selecting more than one firm to handle the large volume of waste, horticultural and recycling materials generated in Lee County, and by making the areas smaller to allow smaller companies to bid, spurring competition. The formal, advertised, sealed bidding process landed six proposals, five of which were from firms found to be qualified by the selection committee. The price proposals were opened, and the five-year contracts were awarded to the low bidders in their respective areas. Florida Recycling Services, Inc. was awarded contracts for Franchise Areas 2, 3 and 5. Superior Services, Inc. received contracts for Franchise Areas 4 and 1, which includes the towns of Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs. Both companies have considerable experience in the waste collection and recycling business.

The way residents currently separate their solid waste into recycling, horticultural waste and garbage will remain unchanged. However, the days of collection of the different waste types, may change for many residents. The new contractors are distributing information to residents regarding potential changes to their service and days. It is important to read this information very carefully, and refer to it if questions arise. The brochure will have the new contractor's customer service phone number.