TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The City of Tampa’s Department of Solid Waste has suspended its recycling collection due to the “unprecedented amounts” of storm debris.
After Hurricanes Helene and Milton slammed into Florida within the span of a couple of weeks, the city made the call to temporarily halt regular collection services.
On Friday, all residential recycling collection was suspended, and the city will start up again on Monday.
Over the weekend, crews will shift their focus strictly to collecting storm debris from neighborhoods and returning the city to pre-hurricane conditions.
Below is a breakdown of services, and collection suspensions and active servicing:
- Storm Debris: Collection is ongoing and residents are encouraged to use the guidelines listed below.
- Commercial Customers: All collection services are running as normal.
- Residential Customers: Garbage services are running as normal. Yard waste and recycling services are suspended until further notice.
- SWEEP and Yard Waste: Collection is suspended until further notice.
For the most efficient disposal options, here is what to do:
- Collection: Crews will collect damaged household items, construction debris, and vegetative-storm debris from the curb.
- Household-Storm Debris: Place damaged household items and construction debris separately from vegetative storm debris curbside and three feet away from obstructions, such as parked vehicles.
- Vegetative-Storm Debris: Place vegetative-storm debris curbside in a pile or in a non-city-issued garbage container or yard waste paper bag. Vegetative storm debris includes shrubs, palm fronds, tree limbs, grass, leaves, twigs, and branches.
- Self-disposal (Mixed debris): The McKay Bay Disposal Complex, located at 112 34th Street is free of charge and open Mon. – Fri. from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. (must show ID, private haulers will have a fee)
- Self-disposal (Vegetative debris): Two locations (22nd Street Park at 7801 North 22nd Street and Gadsen Park at 6901 South MacDill Avenue); open Mon. – Sat. from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit tampa.gov/solidwaste or call 813-274-8811 for additional information. Residents can also download the Tampa Trash and Recycling app for real-time updates on service schedules.