Junk disposal in Tampa is regulated by the City of Tampa Solid Waste Department and supported by Hillsborough County for hazardous materials. Residents and contractors can remove junk through municipal curbside collection, private haulers, recycling centers, donation programs, roll-off dumpster rentals, and county-run landfills.
Each method addresses a specific disposal need based on volume, waste type, and legal compliance. Curbside services handle standard household waste and limited bulk items. Private junk removal companies and roll-off dumpsters manage large-scale or renovation-related debris. Recycling programs reduce landfill impact through material recovery. Donation networks repurpose usable goods. The South County Landfill provides final disposal for qualified, non-hazardous materials.
Hazardous materials—including batteries, paint, electronics, automotive fluids, and appliances with refrigerants—require special handling at designated drop-off sites. Using the proper disposal route ensures regulatory compliance, avoids fines, and promotes environmental safety.
Common Methods for Junk Disposal in Tampa
1. Municipal Waste Collection
The City of Tampa Solid Waste Department provides weekly curbside garbage collection, yard waste pickup, and recycling services to residential properties. Bulk item pickup is available by request or on scheduled days for each neighborhood.
Unaccepted curbside items include:
Televisions and electronics
Hazardous waste (paint, solvents, oil)
Tires and automotive batteries
Large appliances with refrigerant
Customer Service Line: 813-274-8811
tampa.gov/solid-waste
2. Private Junk Removal Services
Private junk removal services in Tampa offer fast, large-load disposal for residential, commercial, and construction-related projects. These services are commonly used for estate cleanouts, office relocations, tenant turnovers, and post-renovation cleanup.
Pricing is based on volume, labor, and item types. Some companies sort for donation or recycling before disposal to reduce landfill contribution.
3. Recycling Centers and Drop-Off Locations
Tampa residents can use McKay Bay Scalehouse and Transfer Station or community recycling drop-off sites. Accepted materials include cardboard, paper, aluminum, plastics (#1–#7), and glass.
Electronics and appliances with hazardous components must be taken to HHW sites, not standard recycling centers.
McKay Bay Scale House
114 S 34th St, Tampa, FL 33605
Mon,Tue, Thu, Fri 7 AM – 5:30 PM | Wed, Sat 7 AM – 3:30 PM
4. Donation and Reuse Programs
Usable household items, appliances, clothing, and furniture can be donated to:
Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Tampa)
Goodwill Suncoast
Metropolitan Ministries Donation Center
Donation centers accept gently used goods that are clean, operable, and safe. Pickup services are often available for large items.
5. DIY Disposal and Landfill Visits
Tampa residents and contractors can haul large volumes of junk to the South County Solid Waste Facility, operated by Hillsborough County. This site accepts non-hazardous household debris, construction material, and limited bulk waste.
South County Community Collection Center
13000 US Highway 41, Gibsonton, FL 33534
Mon–Sat: 7.30 AM – 5 PM
Tel: 813-671-7611
hcfl.gov/solidwaste
Fees are calculated by weight or volume. Refrigerated appliances, tires, and hazardous waste are not accepted unless processed through HHW programs.
6. Roll-Off Dumpster Rental
Elgin’s Dumpsters provides roll-off container rental in Tampa for residential, construction, and commercial projects. Container sizes range from 10 to 40 yards and can be delivered and picked up based on the client’s schedule.
Prohibited items in dumpsters:
Paints, solvents, and cleaning chemicals
Electronics and rechargeable batteries
Refrigerators, A/C units, and Freon-based appliances
Medical or biological waste
Roll-off dumpsters offer efficient on-site containment and disposal, particularly for remodeling, demolition, or property cleanouts.
How to Dispose of Hazardous Junk in Tampa
Hazardous materials must be brought to Hillsborough County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off locations. Curbside and dumpster disposal of these items is prohibited under local and state law.
Common hazardous materials:
Paints, stains, and thinners
Auto fluids: oil, antifreeze, brake fluid
Pesticides, weed killers, and fertilizers
Household cleaning chemicals
Electronics: TVs, computers, printers
Lithium, lead-acid, and rechargeable batteries
Fluorescent bulbs and mercury devices
Hillsborough County South Collection Site (HHW)
13000 U.S. Highway 41 S., Gibsonton, FL 33534
1st Saturday of each month: 8 AM – 2 PM
813-272-5680
Residents must present ID and utility bill as proof of Hillsborough County residency. Materials must be in sealed, labeled containers. No mixed or leaking substances are accepted.
What Items Are Considered Hazardous?
Hazardous junk includes:
Flammable liquids and aerosols
Paint, varnish, and thinners
Automotive chemicals
Bleach, ammonia, and drain cleaners
Electronics and lithium-ion batteries
Freon appliances (refrigerators, freezers, A/C units)
Tampa Regulations for Special Waste
Tampa and Hillsborough County enforce strict rules for disposing of regulated waste. Special waste includes hazardous chemicals, electronics, tires, appliances with refrigerants, and medical or biological waste.
Legal disposal requirements include:
Using sealed, labeled, leak-proof containers
Separating incompatible substances
Transporting only to approved HHW or landfill sites
Never placing special waste in residential trash or dumpsters
Violations may result in:
Civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation per day
Criminal charges for illegal dumping or endangerment
Mandatory cleanup and environmental remediation
For clarification, residents may contact the City of Tampa Solid Waste Compliance Division at 813-274-8811.
