TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said with power largely restored and fuel more readily available in the city as of Wednesday, their No. 1 priority now is debris removal.

What You Need To Know

  • Tampa officials say work continues to remove hurricane debris from city streets

  • The city's solid waste director, Larry Washington, says crews are focusing on household debris from the hardest-hit areas, then will collect vegetative debris

  • Washington said 292 tons of debris have been processed so far

  • Officials say the goal is to complete debris collection within 90 days in order to receive full reimbursement from FEMA

“We can’t push a button and remove all of this debris. There is just an incredible amount,” Castor said.

According to Castor, crews hauled away 15,000 dump truck loads of debris after Hurricane Irma.

She said that pales in comparison to what Helene and Milton left behind — an estimated one million cubic yards of debris, or enough to fill 10,000 football fields.

Solid Waste Director Larry Washington said the city has processed 292 tons of debris so far through the work of its own crews and contracted haulers from around the country. He said they’re focusing on household debris from the hardest-hit areas first, then they’ll move onto vegetation. It’s work Washington said will take more than one pass through impacted neighborhoods.

“It takes the average person at least three weeks, three-to-four weeks, to clear out their homes after a storm surge. So, we have to allow time for them to clean out their homes,” Washington said.

He and the mayor said the city is aiming to complete the work within 90 days from Oct. 11, which is the time limit for Tampa to get a full reimbursement from FEMA.

Hurricane debris from residents along West Beachway Drive in Tampa. (Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)
Hurricane debris from residents along West Beachway Drive in Tampa. (Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)

Castor said it’s something the city can’t do alone, and that contracting with haulers will be key to meeting that deadline. She said the city is working to stay competitive at a time when many municipalities and counties are also in need of these services. Residents can also play a role in moving cleanup along.

“We need everybody’s cooperation. Mostly, we need your patience. The teams are working around the clock to get this task completed within 90 days, but they can’t do it on their own. We need your help,” Castor said. 

Washington asked that people sort debris into piles of vegetation, household items, like drywall and furniture, and bulky items, like appliances.

Those who want to haul their own debris can drop off vegetation to the 22nd Street Park site at 7801 N. 22nd St. or Gadsden Park at 6901 S. MacDill Ave. An ID verifying city residency is required.