LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Residents of Middletown who are being allowed to return to their homes are being directed to immediately dispose of damaged food, with garbage collection set for Sunday.

The Lake County Office of Emergency Services said most residents have been without electricity for more than a week. Disposal of food is the No. 1 priority.

Officials are asking that Middletown residents returning to their homes use all three waste bins – trash, recycled and green/compost – to dispose of all food products.

Those residents without service or who have destroyed bins should use the dumpsters provided in the neighborhoods.

Dumpsters will be strategically placed in the repopulated neighborhoods for the disposal of food items. Dumpsters will be attended by volunteers to ensure that only appropriate items are disposed in these dumpsters.

Garbage pick up for all food waste will be on Sunday, September 20 in the Middletown area.

Residents without bins should contact South Lake Refuse at 707-994-8613 to schedule replacement bins.

For more information about disposal of household goods, please contact the Lake County Office of Public Services at 707-262-1760.