FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Brigitte Kantor, Lee County Solid Waste
               (239) 338-3302

COUNTY RAMPING UP DEBRIS REMOVAL EFFORT

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 25, 2004) - Beginning Thursday morning, Lee County will be adding 30 of its own trucks to its Hurricane Charley debris removal effort.

The trucks are from the county's Department of Transportation and will be working in conjunction with the main contractor for debris removal, Crowder Gulf, which also is continuing to bring in additional trucks/equipment on a daily basis.

The DOT trucks will be providing the additional help for as long as necessary to expedite the process. In addition, the county is in the process of acquiring 30 additional staff to man staging areas and assist with processing. Six staging/grinding areas have been established around the county where vegetative debris is being stockpiled for grinding.

As of Sunday, the county had collected approximately 40,000 cubic yards of horticultural debris at the staging sites and Waste-to-Energy Facility.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the debris removal.

Are my regular garbage and recyclable schedules being affected?

No. Regular garbage and recyclable pickups resumed Monday, August 16 (two days after the storm) and have continued on a regular schedule. Pickup of garbage is the highest priority because of health hazards associated with putrification.

How should I prepare yard waste and construction & demolition debris for pickup?

• Separate the horticulture and C&D debris into different piles.

• You do not need to bundle the piles or cut them to length. They will be picked up. However, more manageable  
   lengths (six feet or less) are easier to pick up.

• Do not place piles near obstructions (mailboxes, hydrants, trees) in case a clam bucket is used to pick up the pile.

• Putting small amounts of C&D and horticultural waste (less than 50 pounds) in cans instead of piles also is
   helpful.

Is there an extra charge to pick up storm debris?

Not for residential dwellings, it is part of your regular garbage assessment. If a county contractor tries to charge you, please report it to the Solid Waste Division at 338-3302. Businesses, however, will be charged for extra collection costs, if applicable.

What is the schedule for debris removal?

The county is enlisting more and more resources each day. Pick-ups are ongoing in each franchise area every day, though not daily on every street.

A hauler came and picked up part, but not all, of my debris?

This is not unusual. Because of the routes and different trucks used for different types and sizes of debris, some, but not all, piles may be picked up during a regular sweep. They will come back later to pick up the rest.