In Tampa, getting rid of old household appliances involves following Hillsborough County’s waste disposal guidelines and selecting the right service for your situation. Whether you’re clearing out small kitchen gadgets like microwaves, blenders, and toasters or upgrading larger appliances such as washers, dryers, and stoves, Tampa offers a range of disposal options. From scheduled curbside bulk pickups and local recycling facilities to donation programs and junk removal companies, each method comes with its own requirements. This guide covers the most commonly discarded appliances — including fans, vacuums, coffee makers, and portable heaters — and explains how to dispose of them properly to avoid penalties and support environmental responsibility.
Your Appliance Disposal Options in Tampa
If you’re replacing old appliances or cleaning out a property in Tampa, it’s important to follow Hillsborough County’s rules for disposal. Whether you’re tossing a toaster or a washing machine, there are multiple safe and legal ways to get it done.
1. Schedule Bulk Waste Pickup Through the City
Tampa residents can take advantage of scheduled bulk item pickup through the City of Tampa Solid Waste Department, but appliances must meet certain requirements.
Accepted for curbside pickup (with a scheduled request):
Microwaves and toaster ovens
Electric fans and portable space heaters
Small plug-in vacuums and kitchen appliances
Not accepted unless handled separately or professionally prepared:
Refrigerant-based appliances (refrigerators, freezers, AC units, dehumidifiers)
Heavy units like washers, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers
Tips for using Tampa’s bulk pickup service:
Schedule through the City of Tampa Solid Waste online portal or by phone
Place items at the curb no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before collection
Remove hazardous materials like freon and tag the item with certification
Confirm your item is allowed to avoid fines or missed service
2. Drop Off at a Tampa-Area Recycling Facility
For appliances that aren’t accepted for pickup or are better suited for recycling, Hillsborough County offers multiple drop-off centers.
Commonly accepted items:
Toasters, microwaves, and coffee makers
Electric fans and vacuums
Ovens, dishwashers, and other metal appliances (non-refrigerant)
Local recycling locations for appliance drop-off:
South County Community Collection Center
13000 US-41, Gibsonton, FL 33534, United States
Tel: 813-671-7611
https://hcfl.gov/locations/south-county-solid-waste-facility
Northwest County Solid Waste Facility
8001 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33625, United States
Tel: 813-264-3816
https://hcfl.gov/locations/northwest-county-solid-waste-facility
Note: E-waste and smart appliances may need special handling — check ahead.
3. Donate Working Appliances to Tampa Charities
Still have a functioning appliance? Consider donating it to help families in need while reducing landfill waste.
Organizations that accept appliance donations in Tampa:
Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Tampa) – Offers free pickup for major appliances in working condition
Metropolitan Ministries – Accepts small appliances and household items
The Salvation Army Tampa Family Store – Accepts working appliances, call for pickup availability
Donation conditions:
Must be clean, operational, and free of visible damage
No missing knobs, broken cords, or rust
Call ahead or use online scheduling to confirm acceptance
4. Use a Tampa Junk Removal Service
For heavy, broken, or hard-to-move appliances, junk hauling companies offer quick, convenient removal with labor included.
Popular appliance removal providers in Tampa:
Junk Removal Tampa | Dump My Junk LLc
601 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
Tel: 813-686-6406
G.I.HAUL Junk and Waste Removal Tampa Bay
502 N Gilchrist Ave, Tampa, FL 33606, United States
Tel: 813-596-5652
Ideal for:
Ovens, washers, dryers, and bulky items
Units requiring stair removal or multi-item pickups
Refrigerant appliances that have already been degassed
Many services will separate appliances for recycling or donation when possible.
5. Rent a Dumpster for Larger Appliance Projects
If you’re doing a full kitchen remodel or handling an estate cleanout, a roll-off dumpster rental is a flexible option for appliance and debris disposal.
Best for:
Multi-appliance replacement
Large cleanouts or property transitions
Renovation or construction waste + appliances
Recommended dumpster sizes:
10-yard: Small appliance cleanouts (3–5 items)
15-yard: Mix of appliances and general junk
20-yard: Best for full kitchen or home remodels
Tampa dumpster rental providers include:
Bin There Dump That Tampa
Tel: 813-302-1717
Elgins Dumpsters Tampa
Tel: (813) 592-5455
Important: Appliances that contain refrigerants must have freon professionally removed before disposal. Always verify with your dumpster provider before including these items.
Appliance Disposal Rules in Tampa & Hillsborough County
Proper appliance disposal in Tampa requires following city and county guidelines to ensure safety, environmental compliance, and reliable collection. Whether you’re replacing a single appliance or clearing out multiple, knowing the rules helps avoid fines and service issues.
What Qualifies as “Bulk Waste” in Tampa?
In Tampa, bulk waste refers to large household items that cannot be placed in your regular trash or recycling bins. This includes:
Small appliances like microwaves, toaster ovens, blenders, coffee makers, and fans
Larger items such as washing machines, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers — often accepted with advance scheduling
Oversized furniture and non-electronic bulky items
Curbside bulk pickup in Tampa must be scheduled in advance through the City of Tampa Solid Waste Department. Items should be placed at the curb no earlier than the evening before collection and must not block sidewalks or roadways.
Special Rules for Appliances with Refrigerants
Appliances that contain refrigerants — such as:
Refrigerators
Freezers
Window and wall-mounted air conditioning units
Dehumidifiers
…require special handling due to the presence of freon and other chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
To properly dispose of refrigerant-based appliances in Tampa:
Have the refrigerant removed by a certified technician
Attach a visible tag or documentation verifying that the unit has been professionally evacuated
Drop off the appliance at a designated Hillsborough County facility or schedule a specialized collection
Improper disposal can result in fines and violations under local environmental codes.
Electronics and Hazardous Component Guidelines
Appliances with digital or electronic components, such as batteries or smart features, may fall under e-waste regulations and should never go in the trash.
Appliances requiring special disposal include:
Smart toasters, ovens, or appliances with LCD displays
Cordless or rechargeable vacuums with lithium-ion batteries
Any appliance containing circuit boards, memory chips, or sensors
Disposal recommendations for Tampa residents:
Remove and safely discard batteries before disposal
Take electronic appliances to a Hillsborough County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection site
Do not place e-waste in standard garbage or recycling bins
By following Tampa’s appliance disposal rules, you ensure proper handling of both everyday and specialized appliances — whether you’re tossing out a microwave or renovating an entire kitchen.
Common Appliances You Can and Can’t Throw Away Curbside in Tampa
If you’re planning to place old appliances out for bulk pickup in Tampa, it’s important to understand what the city allows — and which items require special preparation or disposal. Following the local rules helps prevent service disruptions and avoids fines.
Accepted Appliances for Curbside Pickup (With Restrictions)
The following small household appliances are generally accepted during your scheduled bulk waste pickup in Tampa, as long as they meet the city’s safety, size, and condition standards:
Microwaves – Remove the turntable and clean any leftover food residue
Toasters & toaster ovens – Unplug and ensure they’re free of crumbs and grease
Blenders & mixers – Corded appliances only; remove batteries from rechargeable models
Coffee makers & kettles – Plug-in units without built-in tech or Wi-Fi connectivity are typically allowed
Vacuum cleaners – Remove and dispose of bags or canisters separately if full
Fans – Table and box fans in decent condition are generally accepted
Electric space heaters – Small, non-oil-filled models may be accepted
Hair tools (hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners) – Must be unplugged, clean, and completely cooled
Tampa tip: Place all small appliances together in a labeled container or box marked “Bulk Pickup – Small Appliances” to help sanitation workers easily identify what’s being discarded.
Appliances That Require Special Handling or Scheduling
Some appliances are too bulky or hazardous to be picked up curbside without advance notice or special handling. These include:
Washing machines & dryers – Require scheduled pickup; doors should be removed or securely taped shut for safety
Dishwashers – Must be drained and fully disconnected; pickup should be scheduled in advance
Ovens & stoves – Heavy and potentially hazardous; gas units must be disconnected by a professional
Refrigerant-based appliances – Includes refrigerators, freezers, window AC units, and dehumidifiers. These cannot be placed at the curb unless freon has been professionally removed and documentation is visibly attached
Important Note:
Any appliance with internal electronics, circuit boards, or batteries may be classified as e-waste under Hillsborough County regulations. These items must be disposed of through approved e-waste programs.
Examples include:
Smart appliances with displays or connectivity
Rechargeable vacuums or smart kitchen tools
Devices with onboard memory or chipsets
You can bring these to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection site or electronics drop-off facility in the county. Never place e-waste in standard trash or blue recycling bins.
