Ready for Pickup: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Hurricane Idalia Vegetative Debris for Collection
As Tampa residents continue to clean up the remnants of Hurricane Idalia, collection for storm-related vegetative debris will begin on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
Mayor Jane Castor and City of Tampa Solid Waste Department officials will be on site at Desoto Park on Tuesday demonstrating and offering tips on how residents should prepare their storm-related vegetative debris for collection.
Last hurricane season, the Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management collected 90,000 cubic yards of hurricane-related vegetative debris. Due to Hurricane Idalia's minimal impact on the City of Tampa, crews expect to collect up to 20,000 cubic yards of Hurricane Idalia vegetative debris, but they need residents to properly sort their debris in order to ensure pick up.
"We're grateful that Hurricane Idalia didn't hit us as hard as it could have. However, there's still work to be done,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “I encourage everyone to take the time to properly prepare their vegetative debris for collection. This helps our dedicated Solid Waste team work efficiently and safely, so we can all get our beautiful city back to normal as quickly as possible."
Storm-related vegetative debris is considered to be tree limbs, branches, palm fronds and other leafy material.
Residents should make sure to place all storm-related vegetative debris curbside in preparation for collection, either in bundles, piles, or in a container.
Bagged debris will NOT be accepted.
Residents will be able to stay up to date on the collection process at the hurricane response zone map.
Customers are encouraged to download the Tampa Trash and Recycling app on the Apple and Google Play Stores to receive real-time updates on service schedules. Customers may contact the City of Tampa Utilities Call Center at (813) 274-8811 or visit the website at www.tampa.gov/solidwaste for any questions or concerns.
NOTE: New Tampa residents are encouraged to contact Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management at (813) 272-5680 for their storm collection schedule