The city of Cape Coral learned a lesson in 2017 after Hurricane Irma when it saw the contractors hired to haul off storm debris go elsewhere because other municipalities paid more.

The result then was debris that sat at the curb for weeks.

There is no such issue now as much of the debris from Hurricane Ian is getting hauled off and on a much more timely basis, officials said this week.

It will, however, take time to get it all, as Hurricane Ian was a more powerful storm that heavily impacted the city.

On Tuesday, Solid Waste Manager Terry Schweitzer spoke to the media on the topic of Hurricane Ian related debris collection.

Media had the opportunity to see debris being actively collected as well as ask questions regarding collections, a hot topic in the aftermath of the storm.

Melissa Mickey, city spokesperson, said the goal is to manage expectations of residents.

Debris collection started last week and continues seven days a week. Cape Coral experienced wide-spread damage across the 120 square-mile city.

“The city has 160 trucks collecting debris, but it will be a lengthy process, there is no avoiding that. We need people to be patient,” Mickey said.

“The amount of debris created by Hurricane Ian is equivalent to about seven years of regular waste collection for our city, but we are clearing it in a much shorter amount of time,” Mickey said in an e-mail. “It’s impressive. We want it off the streets as soon as possible, but we need everyone to be patient.”

Mickey said goal is to pass through every street in the next 60 days and continue to collect debris into December.

Schweitzer said the city is targeting specific areas that were hardest hit.

“In the southeast Cape, where residents experienced significant flooding, this is the hardest impact area of the city, and we are focusing our efforts there,” Schweitzer said. “To get people’s household effects out of the way, so they can start rebuilding their lives.”

The city has put an interactive debris collection map on its website, showing the progress of debris collection, where the trucks are going next and when they will be in your neighborhood.

Many of the first passes are in progress or will be by the end of the week. First passes will be concluding beginning early next week.

For more information, go to www.capecoral.gov/government/city_government/city_manager/office_of_communications/hurricane_ian_recovery/hurricaneianrecovery.php.