LUMBERTON — The collection of Hurricane Florence-related debris is nearing an end.

The days of Saturday through Nov. 18 will be the last days the city’s Public Works Department will collect storm debris generated by the hurricane that struck Sept. 14, said Rob Armstrong, Public Works director. The time frame was chosen because it marks two months since the storm left the area, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency doesn’t want the debris collection effort to linger.

“This is all FEMA reimbursed to the city,” Armstrong said.

The debris collection effort is entering a gray area, he said. It has reached a period in which it is no longer certain the debris being collected is a result of Florence, and FEMA could say it is not storm related and not reimburse the city for the cost.

The debris collected during that time frame can be lawn debris or furniture and appliances, Armstrong said. Leaves and other tree debris should be placed in one pile beside the street, and furniture and appliances should be placed in a separate pile.

“Appliances, white goods, are a go,” Armstrong said.

Once the debris is piled beside the street, the property owner should call Public Works at 910-671-3851 to say the debris is ready for collection.

“We will be patrolling, but it would be helpful if once you get a pile call us,” Armstrong said.

Property owners who call when a pile is ready for collection should be aware that collection may not happen that day, he said. It could be a couple days before the debris is collected because of the workload.