The following is a list of wastes that are Not Acceptable for disposal in commercial solid waste collection cans, bags and containers within the City of Tampa and are designated as prohibited wastes in Section 26-147 of the City Code. Violators of the City Code may face penalties, including fines of up to $1,000.

1. Hazardous Wastes as listed in federal, state and local regulations. In addition, a substance may be hazardous if it is:

a. Ignitable and Flammable - substances with a flashpoint of less than 140º F.

b. Corrosive - acids with a pH value of less than or equal to 2, and bases with a pH value greater than or equal to 12.5.

c. Reactive - unstable, reacting violently with water or other substances which may form explosive mixtures or toxic gases.

d. Toxic - exhibiting concentrations of listed toxic substances through the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test.

2. Substances containing concentrations of Heavy Metals, such as fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, thermometers, computer monitors, mercury oxide, lead acid or nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries.

3. Wastes containing Asbestos.

4. Wastes containing PCB’s.

5. Radioactive materials.

6. Biohazardous or Biomedical (infectious/red bag) wastes, including all types of needles, syringes, blades or sharps.

7. Chlorine.

8. Liquid Wastes including, but not limited to, paints, solvents and fuels.

9. Sludge, including, but not limited to, septic tank, grease trap and industrial sludge.

10. Crankcase Oil.

11. Explosives and Ammunition.

12. Pressurized Gas Cylinders that are larger than one (1) gallon in size, such as welding cylinders, freon tanks and propane tanks (unless cylinder valves are removed).

13. Metal Drums or containers that are twenty (20) gallons or greater (unless at least one end has been removed and the drum is flattened).

14. Vehicular Gas Tanks (unless the tank is empty and flattened).

15. Dead Animals or animal wastes from slaughterhouses or seafood processors.

16. Wood treated with Creosote such as railroad ties or telephone poles.

17. Any waste deemed by the City as having the possibility of posing a threat to the environment, health or safety of citizens, employees or contractors, or causing damage to the City’s or contractor’s equipment.  

Please Note:

• Hazardous materials should NEVER be discharged into the sanitary sewer system, stormwater sewer system or onto the ground.
• Fluorescent Bulbs are not permitted in dumpsters or collection containers. Bulbs should be properly stored and picked up for recycling by a Fluorescent Bulb Recycler or Transporter.
• Used Oil Filters must be completely drained prior to disposing in dumpsters or collection containers.
• Oily Wastes may not be disposed of in dumpsters if they are dripping or overly saturated.
• Surveys and random inspections are conducted to assure that all commercially generated wastes are disposed of properly. Proof of proper disposal methods may occasionally be requested.
• If prohibited wastes are observed or detected in collection cans, bags or containers, or at anytime during the collection process, the responsible commercial solid waste customer will be required to immediately remove and properly dispose of the waste at their expense.
• Please contact the Office of Environmental Coordination at 348-1157 if you have any questions about the proper disposal of your wastes or to report violations.
• Please call the Solid Waste Department at 348-1111 to report any damaged or regularly overloaded containers.