Tampa Initiates Storm Debris Cleanup Across the City

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destructive path through Tampa Bay, the City of Tampa is taking swift action to restore normalcy to its residents. The Solid Waste Department has announced the commencement of storm debris collection starting Monday, September 30, 2024.

Collection Schedule and Guidelines

The city’s cleanup efforts will unfold in two phases:

1. Immediate Collection: Residents who are ready for immediate debris removal can request collection by calling the City of Tampa Solid Waste Call Center at 813-274-8811.
2. Citywide Canvassing: Beginning October 7, 2024, crews will systematically canvas each neighborhood within Tampa city limits, collecting storm-related debris from curbs without the need for individual requests.

To ensure an efficient collection process, residents are advised to follow these guidelines:

• Separation of Debris: Place damaged household items and construction debris separately from vegetative storm debris.
• Placement: Position all debris curbside, maintaining a three-foot distance from any obstructions.
• Vegetative Debris: This includes shrubs, palm fronds, tree limbs, grass, leaves, and branches. Place in piles or non-city-issued containers.

Extended Disposal Options

The McKay Bay Transfer Station is offering extended services to Tampa residents:

• Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Cost: Residential Solid Waste account holders within Tampa city limits can dispose of selected accepted items at no additional charge.

Impact and Recovery Efforts

Hurricane Helene has left a significant mark on Tampa Bay:

• Fatalities: The storm has tragically claimed 11 lives across Tampa Bay, with 9 in Pinellas County and 2 in Hillsborough County.
• Property Damage: In Pinellas County alone, 237 homes have been reported as destroyed, with nearly 12,000 sustaining major damage.
• Barrier Islands: Access to Pinellas barrier islands remains restricted until Tuesday, September 30, at 4 p.m., as crews work to clear roads and restore essential services.

City’s Response

Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the city’s commitment to a swift recovery, stating, “Our top priority is ensuring that Tampa’s families and neighborhoods recover swiftly and safely. We’re working hard to clean up the debris and help our community get back to normal as soon as possible”.

Stay Informed

Residents are encouraged to:

• Download the Tampa Trash and Recycling app for real-time service updates.
• Visit tampa.gov/solidwaste for a list of accepted items and disposal requirements.
• Contact the City of Tampa Utilities Call Center at (813) 274-8811 for any questions or concerns.

As Tampa embarks on this massive cleanup effort, the city’s resilience shines through. The coordinated response demonstrates the community’s determination to rebuild and recover from Hurricane Helene’s impact, paving the way for a stronger, more prepared Tampa Bay.

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