Tampa crews work to remove 1M cubic yards of debris from back-to-back hurricanes

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Crews are working to remove 1 million cubic yards of debris from Tampa after back-to-back hurricanes.

The amount of debris is equivalent to 10,000 football fields, Mayor Jane Castor said in a news conference Wednesday. FEMA has given the city a 90-day deadline to remove the debris.

Crews will work to remove debris left from Hurricane Helene before moving on to debris from Hurricane Milton. Household waste like dry wall and furniture will be the first to go, followed by vegetative debris like tree limbs.

Piles should be separated into three piles: vegetation, household waste and large appliances. Residents are asked to keep their debris piles off of streets and sidewalks, away from fire hydrants, and to keep cars out of the way.

Solid Waste Director Larry Washington said crews are working 10-12 hour days, six days a week, gradually cleaning up city streets. This work will take place day and night.

Vegetative debris can be dropped off at the following locations:

• 2nd Street Park (7801 N 22nd St)
• Gadsden Park (6901 S MacDill Ave)

For more information about debris collection, visit the City of Tampa Solid Waste Management website .

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