Solid Waste Dashboard

Solid Waste Performance Charts

The Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management is focused on enhancing the quality of life within our communities through the provision of industry-leading collection, disposal, and environmental services. The Department offers a variety of waste resource management services and solutions to approximately 90,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Incorporating the use of environmentally friendly collection vehicles has allowed the department to reduce the city’s carbon emissions footprint while providing safe and reliable service. Our waste-to-energy plant safely converts the solid waste collected into renewable electric energy, which is used to supply power to local electric grids. The Department’s Environmental division administers state and federal Brownfield program initiatives to restore contaminated land sites, create jobs, and promote economic sustainability. The Department’s integrated approach to solid waste management and environmental restoration supports the city’s commitment towards building sustainable and resilient communities that support healthy and productive lifestyles for the citizens of Tampa.

Disposal Methods

City of Tampa Solid Waste System uses various disposal methods to manage and monitor waste materials as it moves through the waste stream. The McKay Bay Waste-to-Energy Facility is the primary disposal method, and generates enough electricity to supply up to 15,000 homes. Our McKay Bay transfer Station receives wastes from the solid waste department collection crews, other city departments, private waste haulers, and residential utility customers.

CNG Fleet Impact

The Department is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and currently has 22 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks in its fleet, which contribute to the goal by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted. CNG trucks are environmentally-friendly vehicles that emit approximately 40 percent less greenhouse gases than diesel trucks; they offer extended engine life and cost less to maintain.

Disposal Methods

Fuel Savings

CNG trucks save up to $1.85 - $2.00 per gallon in fuel costs. Based on annual fuel usage for CNG and diesel vehicles the department achieved a considerable reduction in the pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2015, and expects to achieve similar results as additional CNG vehicles are purchased.

CNG Fleet Impact

McKay Bay Waste to Energy Plant

Converting waste into energy is a worldwide industry. In the United States alone, 88 waste-to-energy facilities process nearly 100,000 tons of municipal solid waste -- everyday household and commercial garbage and trash -- each day. As a result, these facilities generate enough electricity to meet the needs of more than two million homes.

In Florida, 11 waste-to-energy facilities from Miami to Panama City process nearly 20,000 tons of municipal solid waste each day -- enough to fill a football stadium -- while continuously producing over 500 megawatts of clean, renewable power. The Tampa Bay area is home to four waste-to-energy facilities, located in the City of Tampa and in the counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco. Without these facilities, local governments would be faced with the daunting task of siting large landfills near our rapidly growing residential communities.

Code Enforcement Violations

Solid Waste Code Enforcement is responsible for maintaining the aesthetics of the City of Tampa by keeping all City right-of-ways free of debris accumulations. Officers handle a variety of complaints and inquiries related to Chapter 26 & 27 regarding proper disposal of solid waste, and illegal dumping throughout the City. Officers also investigate the private hauler use of the McKay Bay Waste to Energy facility and advise citizens regarding their free disposal privileges.

Commerical

The Commercial Services Division provides a diverse array of waste collection services to high waste generators such as commercial establishments, apartment complexes and construction sites to meet the intense growth in the City of Tampa. The Commercial Services team provides cleanup support for all city sponsored City events throughout the year; 29 and counting! Primary work for Commercial division originates from the creation of a service/work order resulting from customer demand for service. The division provides service for collection of bulky waste materials, “blue bag” and 95 gallon carts in the Downtown area and Ybor City, front-load dumpsters, roll-off dumpsters, and vertical, self-contained and breakaway compactors.

Residential

The Residential Services Division provides once-per-week recycling services, once-per-week yard waste collections, and twice-per-week curb, alley, and backdoor garbage collection services for an average of 77,000 single-family and multi-family residences. In addition, the division collects wastes from an average of 2,700 small businesses located within or near residential neighborhoods. Each time residential service crews stop to collect waste or empty one 96-gallon cart that counts as one collection point – accumulating into over 1.3 million waste collection service opportunities each month. Residential Services Division employees have a goal of providing safe, same day and on-time service at a rate of over 99% each month. The Department remains focused on implementing new technologically advanced waste collection concepts to improve collection efficiency enhance performance and customer service.