Hurricane Milton Update No. 2
Hillsborough, Fla. (Oct. 6, 2024) - Hillsborough County has mobilized all available resources to expedite storm debris removal from affected residential neighborhoods including Dana Shores, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Tampa Shores, Bay Crest, and Town 'N Country in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene as Hurricane Milton approaches the west coast of Florida. To further support the effort, the County is launching a temporary debris drop-off site at its Resource Recovery Facility located at 350 N. Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL 33619. See map.
Temporary Debris Drop-Off Site Opens at Resource Recovery Facility
Starting at 4 p.m. today, residents and contractors can drop off yard waste, construction and demolition debris, furniture, and other household items at no charge. All appliances must be emptied of their contents. The site will remain open until further notice.
What Can Be Dropped Off:
- Yard waste (trees, branches, etc.)
- Construction and demolition debris
- Furniture
- Other storm-damaged household items
- Appliances (must be empty)
What Cannot Be Dropped Off:
- Household hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, etc.)
- Regular household garbage
Please note that this service is being provided to support the community's recovery from the storm, and we encourage residents to take advantage of this free disposal opportunity.
Community Collection Centers Offer Extended Hours Until Further Notice
The County's five Community Collection Centers are open with extended hours to accommodate post-storm cleanup, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice. Photo ID is required.
- Alderman's Ford Solid Waste Facility - 9402 County Road 39, Plant City, FL 33567
- Hillsborough Heights Solid Waste Facility - 6209 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584
- Northwest County Solid Waste Facility - 8001 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa, FL 33625
- South County Solid Waste Facility - 13000 U.S. 41, Gibsonton, FL 33534
- Wimauma Solid Waste Facility - 16180 W. Lake Dr., Wimauma, FL 33598
All five locations accept a variety of household items, including furniture, couches, chairs, tables, mattresses, washer, dryers, tires, and microwaves. Additionally, the centers accept batteries, electronics, and paint.
The Northwest County and South County Solid Waste Facilities are the only Community Collection Center sites that accept residential yard waste and wood disposal.
Additional Yard Waste Site Added
The County previously announced the opening of an additional yard waste site at the Hillsborough Heights Community Collection Center located at 6209 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. The yard waste drop-off facility is open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. seven days a week for all Hillsborough County residents with identification. The site will be open until further notice.
Storm Debris Information and Tips
The County is utilizing its Solid Waste collectors and disaster debris contractors to maximize efficiency. The County will continue these intensive debris removal efforts until tropical force winds reach 30 mph, at which point operations will be temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of personnel.
Residents with debris curbside that has been prepared for pickup who are unable to dispose of debris at one of the County's sites are urged to take the following precautions in advance of the tropical storm:
Secure Loose Debris
Weigh down loose storm debris to prevent it from being blown away during high winds.
Use heavy objects such as bricks or sandbags inside or around debris piles to minimize movement.
Organize Curbside Debris
Heavier items like mattresses and sofas may be less likely to become windblown.
Place lighter items underneath heavier ones to prevent them from becoming airborne during the storm.
Consider using straps, ropes, or bungee cords to secure debris from becoming airborne.
Get Connected. Stay Alert.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County's official public notification system for emergency and urgent alerts. To receive messages by email, phone, and text, go to HCFL.gov/StaySafe. Residents without digital access are encouraged to call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676, the County's storm information and help line.