If your neighborhood has that one old couch or busted appliance that never makes it to the curb at the right time, the Hillsborough County Community Cleanup Program may help.
Through the program, eligible neighborhood associations and homeowner associations can apply for roll-off dumpsters for a cleanup day in their community. The county says the goal is to get residents involved in upkeep, preserve property values and reduce factors that contribute to crime.
What Is the Hillsborough County Community Cleanup Program?
The Hillsborough County Community Cleanup Program lets neighborhood leaders propose a cleanup project and, if approved, get roll-off dumpsters to dispose of large household items that are not eligible for normal trash pickup. For Brandon, Valrico, FishHawk, Lithia and Riverview neighborhoods in unincorporated Hillsborough County, that could make a cleanup day way easier. The county accepts applications year-round, but cleanups are awarded based on the fiscal year budget, which starts October 1.
Who Can Apply?
The Hillsborough County Community Cleanup Program is not for individual residents who want a dumpster in their own driveway. It is for neighborhood associations and homeowner associations located in unincorporated Hillsborough County, and your neighborhood must be registered with the county’s Office of Neighborhood Relations. For-profit service providers and local government entities are not eligible, and the county will not approve pond cleanup applications. You also need at least 10 volunteers, since residents provide the labor.
What the Hillsborough County Community Cleanup Program Provides
If approved, the county orders the roll-off containers and arranges drop-off and pickup. It awards a maximum of five dumpsters per application and considers only one application per association each fiscal year. The containers are strictly for homeowners, so commercial services and subcontractors cannot dump in them. County staff are also stationed at the dumpsters to estimate how much waste is tossed, share info and answer general solid waste questions.
What Items Does the Cleanup Program Accept?
The Hillsborough County Community Cleanup Program accepts refrigerators, ovens, water heaters, steel and other metals, tires, and old furniture like couches, chairs, tables and mattresses. Construction debris from minor projects is also fine, such as concrete, bricks, glass and roofing materials.
What Is Not Accepted?
Items normally picked up on regular trash days, commercial waste, paint, electronics, batteries (including rechargeable and lithium) and hazardous waste like household chemicals and propane tanks are off the list. The county suggests lining up vendors who can take donatable goods, recycle electronics or handle hazardous waste. You can request a list of local recycling and waste diversion vendors from the county’s Waste Reduction & Recycling Program at Recycling@hcfl.gov.
How to Apply for the Hillsborough County Community Cleanup Program
Neighborhood leaders can apply online, which the county recommends, or email a completed PDF application to solidwaste@hcfl.gov. Applications must identify a specific spot for the dumpsters, and you should allow at least 30 days between applying and your planned cleanup date. The county reviews your application and contacts you with a decision. Only one cleanup can be scheduled per date, so if another community already has your date, the county will work with you on an alternate.
One more tip: if you receive an invoice, do not pay it. Forward it to solidwaste@hcfl.gov. Questions about the program? Call Solid Waste Services at (813) 272-5680.
Tips Before You Plan Your Neighborhood Cleanup
Before you apply, confirm your neighborhood is eligible and registered, gather your volunteers and pick a dumpster spot. Then spread the word about what can and cannot go in, so nobody shows up with a can of paint or an old TV. Since only one application per association is considered each fiscal year, a little planning goes a long way.
The Hillsborough County Community Cleanup Program can turn a pile of bulky junk into a neighborhood win. Check the county’s official program page for current details.
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