Almost all local trash collection agencies have rules about what is acceptable and what is prohibited. You'll find that household refuse, recyclables such as paper and plastic, are usually not only fine for disposal, but come with their very own designated containers. When it comes to other items, however, the list of what you can and can't put out on the curb dwindles dramatically. It's not uncommon for local trash collection agencies to refuse common things like heavy remodeling debris.
Most Common Items Trash Collection Agencies won’t Pickup
The reason for this is obvious, items which are deemed hazardous and/or dangerous aren't accepted by landfills. These collection and recycling sites fight a daily battle to keep things sorted, so, there are just some items they prohibit from dumping. That certainly is good for the environment and helps to keep costs down, but puts you in a position of having to deal with unwanted stuff.
The Department of Solid Waste & Environmental Program Management provides environmentally safe, time responsive, and cost effective collection, disposal and recycling services for over 90,000 residential and commercial customers. The department also oversees the city's Environmental Programs. Approximately 360,000 tons of solid waste are processed annually at the McKay Bay Refuse-to-Energy Facility where it is converted to electrical energy. --Tampa Department of Solid Waste
What might surprise you is just how long the list of prohibited items runs. What's more frustrating is while there are suggestions as to dealing with them, some just aren't very feasible or even realistic. Here are the most common items trash collection agencies won't pickup:
- Old furniture. Bed frames, mattresses, box springs, headboards, footboards, you name it, these won't be hauled off if you leave them on the curb. This also goes for couches, dining room tables, and more. These are simply too large and unwieldy, so, your best bet is to donate them to charity.
- Old appliances and electronics. Stoves, water heaters, refrigerators, televisions, dishwashers, stereo systems, and the like aren't welcome either. Because these all contain delicate electronics and other materials, you can't put these on the curb.
- Hazardous waste. This should be obvious, but some things just don't seem to make a whole lot of sense. Paint cans, oil cans, old gas cans, and other such items are considered environmentally hazardous and won't be picked-up.
- Car, truck, van, and motorcycle tires. Like others on the list, you'll find that tires are prohibited. While these are recyclable, you'll find that it's you who is going to do most of the work to get them to a facility.
- Construction and remodeling debris. If you think that tearing out your kitchen and remodeling the entire space is a never-ending task, try putting the debris out on the curb. You'll soon discover that it won't be picked-up and you'll have to find another way to dispose of it.
- Large and/or broken toys. Swing sets, jungle gyms, playsets, hot tubs, spas, and more are also prohibited. Either you'll have to sell it (if it's in good condition), or, you'll have to rent a truck, tear it down, and then pay a hefty disposal fee.
For any of the items on this list, you can get rid of them simply by calling a junk hauling and removal service in Tampa. They'll do all the work and you won't have to lift a finger. So, whether you’re near USF or MOSI, downtown by Channelside, or over by Lowry Park Zoo, or even near Westshore Mall, we are here to serve the whole Tampa area. Just call us at 813-447-5466.