County offers household yard waste cleanup tips
Lee County Solid Waste offered reminders for residents who are cleaning up their yards and households following the Labor Day weekend and post-Hurricane Idalia.
Residents should not use black plastic bags for yard waste. Yard waste set-out should follow the county’s ordinance, such as being sure it is tied, bundled or put in containers prior to being put curbside for collection.
Specifically, yard trimmings can be set out in waste cans, paper lawn and leaf bags, or tied with cotton string into bundles weighing 50 pounds or less and no longer than 6 feet. Palm fronds do not need to be tied if they are stacked neatly at the curb in piles weighing less than 50 pounds.
Also, fencing and ornamental wood borders are not yard waste. Please dispose of the items in the regular household garbage.
This week, due to the holiday, curbside collection of household garbage is taking place one day later than usual. Continue to use the normal garbage bin and place it curbside at least 3 feet from objects such as mailboxes.
Remember to place empty, clean and dry recyclables — glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum and steel cans and such — loose in the provided recycling bin. Information about what should put in your recycling bin and what you should keep out is available at www.leegov.com/solidwaste/recycling.
Household chemical waste, such as paint, rechargeable batteries or motor oil, should be taken to the Household Chemical Waste and Electronics Recycling Center, at 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is open one Saturday per month; this month it will be open on Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. to noon.
Contractors are reminded of their responsibility regarding construction and demolition debris. If the project requires a permit, it will be subject to mandatory recycling regulations. Residents and businesses can find details at www.leegov.com/solidwaste/business/recycling/constructiondebris.