Hillsborough County residents with lingering storm debris must have it curbside by today, Monday, Dec. 9, as crews prepare to make their final collection pass.

The county’s last round of hurricane debris pickup will begin that day, targeting both construction and demolition debris as well as yard waste. Residents are asked to separate these materials into two distinct piles to streamline the process.

Timeline for Collection

The final debris pickups will run daily through Jan. 11, 2025. FEMA will reimburse the county for removal costs until that deadline. Afterward, any remaining cleanup responsibilities will fall to the county itself.

To date, Hillsborough County estimates that haulers have collected approximately 2.9 million cubic yards of debris, equivalent to about 78,000 truckloads, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton.

What Happens if You Miss the Final Pass?

Eddie Burch of Hillsborough County Public Works advises that after the final pass, regular trash collection rules will apply. This means:

• Debris must be cut into pieces no longer than 4 feet.
• Items must be neatly stacked, bagged, or placed in containers.

Lessons Learned from the Cleanup Effort

Burch highlighted the importance of clear communication during the recovery process. “The public has been very responsive, getting debris to the curb and utilizing our collection centers,” he said. “They’ve also helped us identify and address issues with the process.”

Additional Options for Debris Disposal

Residents who miss the county’s final pass can still dispose of construction or demolition debris at any of Hillsborough County’s collection centers. For more details, visit the county’s website: Hillsborough Community Collection Centers.

Hillsborough County encourages all residents to take advantage of this final collection opportunity to ensure their neighborhoods are cleared of storm debris before the program concludes.

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(Image credit: Fox 13 News Tampa Bay)