Hurricane Irma: Tree debris removal begins in Orange County

ORLANDO, Fla. — Debris left behind by Hurricane Irma in Orange County has sat curbside since Monday, but that will soon change.

Crews began the lengthy process of removing the piles of dead tree limbs, twigs and leaves Friday morning.

Three contractors have been hired to tackle the job, each of which will have hit the road by next week.

Officials ask residents to separate tree debris from construction debris and trash and to keep roadways and sidewalks clear.

Resident David Nelson said he's eager to have the debris removed from his yard.

"We are hoping that the trucks are going to come around as well," Nelson said. "There is a lot of debris, a lot of things that need to be cleaned up."

%

%%

%

Read: Irma's rain runoff buries car in mud at State Road 429 construction site

Those who don't want to wait on crews may drop off the debris at 10 sites. Click here for hours and locations.

Resident Chris Darden said he dropped off his debris Friday without having to wait in line.

"It was nice," he said. "Just pull in and dump, show your ID and go."

The county said before crews can begin clearing debris from the curbs outside of homes, they’ll have to start clearing areas at drop off sites.

The county estimates it has 1.3 million cubic yards of debris to remove.

Cox Media Group