The Department of Solid Waste & Environmental Program Management uses three different methods to collect household garbage. They are manual, semi-automated, and fully automated collection.

Manual collection
Manual collection vehicles are operated by one driver who is responsible for driving and loading debris into the truck. The design of the low entry cab allows the operator to safely step in and out of the truck in order to efficiently perform their task.

Semi-Automated collection
The driver operates a mechanical arm on the vehicle, which is made to load a specially designed refuse cart into the body of the truck.  Semi-automated helps reduce injuries and other possible hazards from injuring staff.

Fully-Automated Collection
Fully-automated refuse collection is a new technologically advanced waste collection system designed to improve collection efficiency, enhance performance, improve customer relations and reduce both operational workers and worker’s compensation cost. The operator uses a set of hand controls to mechanically lift and return a roll out cart from the homeowner’s curbside. For more information on this program please call the the City of Tampa Utility Services Customer Care at (813) 348-1111.