Here’s what to know about Tampa’s new yard waste collection rules

TAMPA, Fla. - New yard waste collection rules took effect in Tampa on Thursday, in an attempt to remove plastics and yard waste from landfills.

The change will allow the city to broaden its composting efforts.

"Eliminating plastic bags from collection assures all yard waste can be turned into nutrient-rich amendment, diverting this material from the waste stream," said recycling program coordinator Shelby Lewis.

Courtesy of the city of Tampa. 

To ensure curbside pickup, residents can dispose of yard waste like grass clippings, leaves, and small branches in a reusable container, by using paper yard waste bags, or by bundling small branches with jute twine.

"We're taking the yard waste, which is around 38 million pounds of material, out of local landfills, out of our waste to energy facility," said Lewis. "That leaves more room and more space for garbage that will be created. We know we have a lot of it. So we want to make sure we're setting ourselves up for success."

Private lawncare crews are also making adjustments and ensure their customers are aware of the new guidelines.

"It will actually be up to our customers now to provide us with a specific container to put that in," said Wesley Cooper with Cooper's Land and Landscaping, adding that the easiest option for homeowners may be to get some new garbage cans. "You're going to save that cost because the cans are going to last you longer than the bags. The bags are a replaceable item that you have to keep purchasing for the crew or for yourself."

Yard waste that was placed in plastic bags wasn't collected on Thursday, with crews often leaving tags notifying homeowners of the new rules.

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