Large items such as furniture and other bulky household discards do not fit in regular trash collection. In Tampa, the City handles them through bulk service. According to City of Tampa Solid Waste, the City provides the service on a set schedule throughout the year. This guide explains the free annual collection, how special pickups work, what they cost and what to do if you live in New Tampa.
The free annual S.W.E.E.P. collection
Eligible Tampa solid waste customers get one prescheduled S.W.E.E.P. bulk collection every year, at no additional cost. The City's S.W.E.E.P. page is the official place to read about the program. The collection happens on a Sunday, which the City calls your S.W.E.E.P. clean-up date.
Because the collection is prescheduled, you do not have to book it yourself. The key is to know your date and to prepare your pile correctly.
When to put items out
The earliest that items may be placed curbside is five days before your Sunday S.W.E.E.P. clean-up date. Putting items out sooner than that is not allowed under the program rules, so it is worth checking your date before you start clearing a garage or yard.
How big the pile can be
S.W.E.E.P. piles should not exceed 10 cubic yards. Keep that limit in mind as you stack items at the curb, and stay under it so crews can collect everything.
If you need a pickup sooner
If you cannot wait for your S.W.E.E.P. date, you can schedule a special pickup before it. The cost is $18.12 per cubic yard. To schedule one, call the City customer service team at (813)-274-8811.
Bulk trash outside the S.W.E.E.P. program
The City's solid waste FAQ explains that curbside bulk trash outside the S.W.E.E.P. program is charged at $18.12 per cubic yard for acceptable items. That is the same per-cubic-yard rate quoted for a special pickup before your S.W.E.E.P. date. Only acceptable items are covered at that rate, so confirm what qualifies with the City before you put something out.
If you live in New Tampa
New Tampa is not served by S.W.E.E.P. Residents there should contact Hillsborough County Solid Waste at (813)-272-5680 to ask how bulk pickup works in their area.
Costs at a glance
- One prescheduled S.W.E.E.P. collection each year for eligible customers: no additional cost.
- Special pickup before your S.W.E.E.P. date: $18.12 per cubic yard.
- Curbside bulk trash outside the program: $18.12 per cubic yard for acceptable items.
- S.W.E.E.P. pile limit: 10 cubic yards.
A simple plan
- Find out whether you are an eligible City solid waste customer, and whether you live in New Tampa, which is handled by the County.
- Learn your Sunday S.W.E.E.P. clean-up date.
- Sort out what you want to discard and make sure it is an acceptable item.
- Place items at the curb no earlier than five days before your Sunday date.
- Keep the pile at or under 10 cubic yards.
- If the date does not work for you, call (813)-274-8811 to schedule a special pickup at $18.12 per cubic yard.
Tips for a smooth collection
Plan your cleanout around the five-day window. Starting early inside your home or garage, and moving items to the curb only when the window opens, keeps walkways clear and follows the program rules. If you are not sure whether an item is acceptable, ask before you stack it, since the per-cubic-yard rate applies to acceptable items.
For more local help, visit the residents page.
Who to contact
- City of Tampa customer service, to schedule a special pickup: (813)-274-8811
- Hillsborough County Solid Waste, for New Tampa residents: (813)-272-5680
- City of Tampa S.W.E.E.P. page and solid waste FAQ for program details
Sources
Compiled from the official sources below.