Lee County Solid Waste resumed normal operations on Monday while working in partnership with contracted crews to begin cleaning up storm debris from neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Lee County.

To facilitate storm debris removal, Solid Waste will collect three types of storm debris. Each type must be in a separate pile for collection, and will be collected in multiple passes:

• Construction and demolition debris: This includes carpet, furniture, drywall and other materials resulting from storm damage to homes and structures.

• Vegetation: This includes tree branches, palm fronds, logs and plants. Vegetative debris should not be placed in plastic bags and can be left at the curb.

• Appliances: Please leave appliances at the curb with all food removed.

Residents can help expediate storm debris collection by doing the following:

• Separate all storm debris.

• Place debris at the curb or roadside.

• Empty out appliances and either secure the doors or remove them.

• Be mindful not to block fire hydrants, mailboxes or any other structures.

• Do not place storm debris into bags.

Keep in mind that your curbside debris may not be picked up immediately. In addition, Lee County is monitoring the weather and urges residents to continue to place debris at the curb unless instructed otherwise. Please visit the county website for more information.

Residents who download the Recycle Coach app may receive push notifications for updated information. To learn more: www.leecounty.gov/recyclecoach.

Residents who may have had sand washed on their property by the storm are asked to not pile sand on sidewalks or alongside roadways. Do not sweep sand from driveways to the street.

Beachfront residents with overwashed sand on their property must follow a process to remove it. They can put it back on the beach only after receiving approval from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. FDEP has a link with information about how private property owners can receive proper permission before placing overwashed sand from Helene back on the beach. Visit https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/CCCL%20Post%20Storm%20Information%20Handout_Private_06242022_0.pdf

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.

The county continues to update its landing page dedicated to Hurricane Helene. Visit www.leegov.com/storm.