Hillsborough County Solid Waste has opened its third donation site in partnership with Goodwill-Industries Suncoast, making it easier for residents to donate items that can be repurposed and kept out of the landfill.
The newest donation drop-off is located at the Northwest County Solid Waste Facility in Tampa. Without any promotion, the new donation site filled up its trailer within 11 days of operating, rescuing 2,300 reusable goods, equivalent to 3,800 pounds, from disposal.
The Solid Waste Department expanded the Goodwill donation program on Feb. 18, 2025, to serve residents in the north and west part of the county.
The Northwest County Solid Waste Facility also has the largest and busiest Community Collection Center, handling 40% of all materials brought for disposal across the five Community Collection Centers. In general, the Community Collection Centers accept items that do not belong, are too large for garbage roll carts, or aren't recyclable curbside, such as tires, furniture, appliances, electronics, paint, and certain batteries.
Hillsborough County Solid Waste has opened a third donation site in partnership with Goodwill-Industries Suncoast at the Northwest County Solid Waste Facility.
Between all three locations, the program has been used by 6,000 donors and collected 207,000 items, diverting 241,640 pounds of material from disposal in the County's landfill.
Accepting donations since 2022
The Donation and Waste Diversion Program with Goodwill started as a pilot in September 2022 to recover quality items ending up in disposal at the South County Community Collection Center in Gibsonton. Thanks to the program's success, in August 2023, Goodwill added a second donation trailer to the Hillsborough Heights Community Collection Center in Seffner.
Between all three locations, the program has been used by 6,000 donors and collected 207,000 items, diverting 241,640 pounds of material from disposal in the County's landfill. Donating and shopping second-hand saves resources, reduces emissions, and creates a positive social impact by aiding those in need.
The program has had a tremendous impact. Residents have praised the convenience of the one stop-shop at the Community Collection Centers, where they are able to donate, recycle, and dispose all in one place. The program also reflects that Hillsborough County is leading by example in sustainability and is a model for other communities.
What to donate
- Donations accepted at the three donation drop-off sites include:
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Accessories (belts, purses, hats, etc.)
- Home décor items (vases, sculptures, artwork, etc.)
- Kitchen wares (dishes, cookware, flatware, etc.)
- Tools
- Toys
- Small furniture items
- Small working electronics (blender, electric razor, etc.)
Items not accepted for donation can be conveniently disposed of at the CCCs for residential solid waste customers.
Award winning
This unique program is the only partnership that Goodwill has with a government solid waste department. For the program's innovation and effectiveness, Hillsborough County Solid Waste has been recognized locally and statewide by:
- Recycle Florida Today, a statewide organization advancing recycling, with the Outstanding Public Program Award - 2023
- The Hillsborough County Planning Commission with the Award of Merit - 2023
- The Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation, a statewide organization advancing recycling, with the Recycling Champion Award - 2024
How to use
The Donation and Waste Diversion Program is for Hillsborough County Solid Waste customers. All Community Collection Centers and the three donation drop-off sites are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To donate or dispose of items, residents must bring a photo ID showing their address and a printed or digital copy of their annual Hillsborough County Property Tax Bill to show they are a Hillsborough County residential solid waste customer.