Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of Tampa is on track to complete its storm debris removal operations on December 20, well ahead of schedule, to give residents a clean and safe environment to enjoy the holiday season.
Tampa’s Department of Solid Waste & Environmental Program Management, alongside over 300 contracted haulers, has worked tirelessly to clear more than 1.3 million cubic yards of storm debris from city streets and neighborhoods to date.
The volume of debris removed thus far is staggering, capable of filling Tampa’s iconic Rivergate Tower nearly four times!
The city remains on track to meet FEMA’s 90-day deadline of January 11, 2025, for full debris clearing, including hauling of all debris from city sites.
“Completing our curbside debris removal ahead of schedule is no small feat, and it highlights the dedication and hard work of our city staff who’ve worked seven days a week since Hurricane Helene to return our community to normal,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “This historic hurricane season tested us, but our Solid Waste workers and contractors stepped up in extraordinary ways.”
Solid Waste Director Larry Washington added, “I’m incredibly proud of our team’s commitment and coordination with contractors, which have allowed us to surpass expectations. We appreciate the patience of our residents as we now focus on grinding and hauling the remaining material from our debris management sites.”
Residents can view the progress of debris removal through the city’s interactive storm debris clearing map here.
Final Hurricane Debris Disposal Options
Hurricane debris disposal options remain available to residents through December 20, 2024, at the following locations (open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.):
- 22nd Street Park, 7801 N. 22nd Street (vegetative debris only)
- Gadsden Park, 6901 S. MacDill Avenue (vegetative debris only)
After December 20, residents may self-haul remaining debris to the McKay Bay Transfer Station (114S. 34th Street) at no charge. Alternatively, residents can schedule a Special Pick-Up for a fee by calling the City of Tampa Solid Waste Customer Service Center at (813) 348-8811.
Upcoming Service Resumptions
As hurricane debris collection concludes, the focus now shifts to grinding and hauling remaining vegetative material from debris management sites. The city extends its gratitude to the public for their patience and support during this historic cleanup effort.
- Yard Waste Collection resumes on December 30, 2024.
- SWEEP Collection resumes on January 6, 2025.
Residents can find their scheduled collection dates through the Tampa Trash and Recycling tool on the Department of Solid Waste website or via the app, available on Apple and Google Play.
For questions or concerns, contact the Department of Solid Waste Customer Service Center at (813) 274-8811 or visit tampa.gov/SolidWaste.