Here's How You Can Dispose Of Storm Debris From Hurricane Ian

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Residents who are cleaning up their yards after Hurricane Ian can take yard debris to the county's four residential storm debris drop-off sites during extended hours of operation Monday through Sunday, 7:30a.m. to 6 p.m.

These hours will remain in effect until further notice.

Drop-off sites are located at:

• Northwest County, 8001 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa
• South County, 13000 U.S. 41, Gibsonton
• Hillsborough Heights, 6209 County Road 579, Seffner
• Falkenburg Yard Waste Site, 350 Falkenburg Road, Tampa

Residents must show a valid Florida ID to receive free yard waste disposal. Yard waste must not be bagged at the drop-off sites. Bagged waste must be emptied by the resident for disposal, as plastic bags can damage the mulch-processing equipment.

For large storm-related debris, Hillsborough County contractors have to collect debris from nearly 3,000 miles of roads, so solid waste staff is asking residents to be patient if their waste is not collected immediately.

Beginning Thursday, Oct. 6, Hillsborough County contracted disaster debris haulers will be working systematically through unincorporated Hillsborough County to collect storm debris related to Hurricane Ian.

Residents must have large storm debris placed at the curb by Monday, Oct. 10. Due to the large size of the county's service area, it may take several weeks to collect all debris.

Follow these rules to ensure your debris is collected:

• Place yard waste debris away from mailboxes, water meters, street signs, light poles and fire hydrants to allow room for heavy machinery to pick up debris.
• Do not place debris in the roadway or on top of storm drains.
• Do not mix household waste, bulk waste or recyclables with storm debris.
• Debris contractors and your regular waste hauler will not be picking up small piles of leaves and twigs, so place these in bags or containers for efficient collection.
• All yard waste storm debris must be placed at the curb in the public right of way. Debris placed on private property will not be collected.

These services include New Tampa residents.

City of Tampa solid waste services and operations will resume regularly scheduled collection Monday.

Resumption of all services excludes the department's bulky waste service, Solid Waste Enhanced Environmental Program, also known as SWEEP. SWEEP is delayed until further notice.

All residential curbside collection is resuming normally scheduled services beginning Monday. Residential collection includes garbage, recycling and yard waste.

Place all storm-related yard debris curbside in preparation for collection, either in bundles, piles or in a container. Storm-related yard waste will be collected beginning Monday.

Commercial collection is resuming normally scheduled service beginning Monday.

The McKay Bay Transfer Station and Scale House at 114 S. 34th St. will open with normal operating hours beginning Monday.

Customers are encouraged to download the Tampa Trash and Recycling app to receive real-time updates on service schedules. Download the app here, contact the city of Tampa Utilities Call Center at 813-274-8811 or visit the website.

Click here for city of Temple Terrace information.

Click here for city of Plant City information.

Tree-trimming and landscape businesses discarding storm debris on rights of way is considered illegal dumping. All debris collected by privately hired companies should be loaded and transported by the company to a permitted waste disposal site.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to report illegal dumping of storm debris or other waste in the public right of way of unincorporated Hillsborough County by contacting code enforcement at 813-274-6600.

If you witness dumping in progress, call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 813-247-8200.