TAVARES — Collection of storm debris from the Feb. 2 tornadoes finished on Thursday, April 5, with Lake County's contracted hauler collecting nearly 150,000 cubic yards of materials; however, the debris-collection hotline [866-540-2325] will remain open until Wednesday, April 11.

Residents may continue to dispose of storm-related debris following normal residential collection guidelines. Yard waste must be bagged, bundled or in an easy to handle container and weigh no more than 50 pounds. Limbs and branches must be tied in bundles weighing no more than 50 pounds, be no longer than 4 feet in length and with limbs no greater than 6 inches in diameter.

Residents can also dispose of vegetative storm-related debris at one of the following Solid Waste Management Division’s drop-off facilities during normal hours of operation. The Central Facility is the only location that accepts construction and demolition debris. All drop-off sites and the Central Facility are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call the Lake County Department of Environmental Services at (352) 343-3776.

LOCATION	HOURS OF OPERATION
Lake County Central Facility 13130 County Landfill Road	open Monday – Saturday
Astor Residential Drop-off Astor Transfer Station Road	open Tuesday & Saturday
Lady Lake Residential Drop-off 1200 Jackson St.	open Tuesday & Saturday
Loghouse Residential Drop-off 10435 Loghouse Transfer Station Road, Clermont	open Wednesday & Saturday
Paisley Residential Drop-off 44225 Spring Creek Road	open Wednesday & Saturday
Pine Lakes Residential Drop-off 43029 County Road 44, DeLand	open Thursday & Saturday

With unusually dry conditions continuing to increase wildfire probability, the Lake County Department of Public Safety reminds residents that a countywide burn ban, in accordance with County Code 10.5-75, is still in effect. The mandatory burn ban affects all of unincorporated Lake County and prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted by the Florida Division of Forestry. This includes burning yard waste, bon fires and campfires on private or County property.

One of the more effective ways to reduce the possibility of wildfires is to clear underbrush or debris blown down in storms. These dry plants and vegetation create more fuel for wildfires. It is recommended that homeowners try to maintain a 30-foot defensible space around their home to act as a firebreak.