This article originally appeared on the Orange County Florida Government website. While it is specific to Orange County, the helpful tips are applicable to residents across all of Florida. I hope that our Melrose homeowners benefit from this pertinent information in the wake of the historic storm.

Hurricane Irma Debris Removal Information

As Orange County continues recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma, it is important for residents to be informed on debris removal.

CITIZEN DROP-OFF SITES

Residents are encouraged to take debris to a citizen site designated by Orange County. Those locations can be found at www.ocfl.net/debris.

Ten (10) citizen drop-off sites were opened by Orange County on Wednesday, September 13, 2017. Residents of Orange County may bring vegetative (trees/yard waste) debris to any locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Residents will need to provide proof of Orange County address to gain access. Debris drop-off sites are:

Barnett Park – 4801 W Colonial Dr.
Conway Water Treatment Plant – 3590 Manatee St.
Cypress Grove Park – 290 Holden Ave.
Fort Christmas Park -1300 Fort Christmas Rd.
Harrell Road – 8503 Trevarthon Rd.
Meadowoods Park – 1751 Rhode Island Woods Cir.
Northwest Water Reclamation Facility – 701 W McCormick Rd.
Rose Place Park – 8200 Old Winter Garden Rd.
Across from Renaissance Senior Center – 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trl.
West Beach Park Addition – 9227 Winter Garden Vineland Rd.

CURBSIDE DEBRIS REMOVAL

Curbside debris removal has already started in Orange County. However, the volume of yard debris throughout the county is very large, so please keep in mind that it may be several days before a debris team arrives in your community. It is the county’s intent to serve the community in a well-organized manner.

NO MIXED DEBRIS

In either case, vegetative storm debris (tree limbs, branches, and other organic debris) should always be separated from storm-related construction debris (shingles, fencing, lumber, drywall, etc.) Mixed debris will not be accepted at Drop-Off Sites, and for curbside removal, construction debris will be collected separately, and if not separated, neither may be picked up. Also, household garbage should NEVER be mixed with storm or construction debris.

PRIVATE GATED COMMUNITIES

County contractors cannot enter private gated communities for debris removal, except in cases of critical life/safety emergencies. For gated communities, an authorized community representative should contact 311 to arrange for permission for the community’s contractor to drop off debris at a designated Citizen Drop-Off Site. In the alternative, the community representative can arrange for a County debris contractor to meet the community’s contractor at or near the entrance to the gated community, to accept debris.

If residents within a community do not own the property, such as a trailer park, manufactured home community or condominium building, the community is not eligible to participate in this program. These communities are considered commercial and must arrange for their own debris removal.

PRIVATE PROPERTY

Debris will only be removed from private property only in the case of severe damage, per the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) policy. If the debris is an immediate threat to residents, State or local government may enter private property to remove debris to eliminate threats to life, public health and safety.

Visit www.ocfl.net/debris for more information. Follow Orange County Neighborhood Preservation and Revitalization Division on NextDoor.com.