Residential Collection Methods

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

Manual Collection for Yard Waste 
Manual collection vehicles are operated by one driver and one loader who are responsible for driving and loading debris into the truck. The design of the low-entry cab allows our personnel to safely step in and out of the truck in order to efficiently perform their duties.  Manual collection is used for yard waste only. 

Semi-Automated Collection
The driver operates a mechanical arm on the exterior of the vehicle, which is designed to load a  City-issued refuse or recycling cart into the body of the truck.  Semi-automated collection reduces injuries and other potential hazards associated with manual collection.

Fully-Automated Collection Fully-automated refuse collection is a technologically advanced waste collection system designed to improve collection efficiency, enhance performance,  and reduce injuries to personnel. The operator uses a set of hand controls while seated inside the cab to mechanically lift and return a City-issued cart from the homeowner's curbside.

For service or billing concerns and requests, please call the the City of Tampa Utility Services Customer Care at (813) 274-8811.