Tampa, FL Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Curb distance
- Within 3 feet of curb/pavement edge
- Clearances
- 4 ft from poles, mailboxes, parked cars
- Set-out window
- After 4 p.m. day before pickup
- Removal deadline
- By 10 a.m. day of collection
- Late removal fee
- Re-inspection fee + 6% admin charge
Summary
City of Tampa Code § 26-169 fixes where and when carts go out: containers must sit within three feet of the curb, clear of poles, mailboxes, cars and low wires, set out no earlier than 4 p.m. the day before pickup, and pulled back in by 10 a.m. the day of collection.
(a)All residential containers shall be set out for collection in a convenient and accessible location in the front of the residence adjacent to and within unobstructed arm reach no more than three (3) feet from the curb or edge of the pavement of a public street or alley serviced by the Department...Containers shall not be placed within four (4) feet of a utility pole, mailbox, or other similar structure; within four (4) feet of a motor vehicle; not on the top of a surface-level utility meter or vault; not directly under a low-hanging overhead wire or other obstruction...(c)Residential containers shall be placed out for collection after 4:00 p.m. of the day prior to a scheduled collection and shall be removed from curbside not later than 10:00 a.m. of the day of collection to a location within the property not visible from the street.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 148).
Full Breakdown
Section 26-169(a) requires residential containers to be set 'in a convenient and accessible location in the front of the residence adjacent to and within unobstructed arm reach no more than three (3) feet from the curb or edge of the pavement,' and bars placing them in the street, in an alley or on a sidewalk. The same subsection lists specific clearances: containers can't sit 'within four (4) feet of a utility pole, mailbox, or other similar structure,' within four feet of a parked vehicle, on top of a surface-level utility meter or vault, or under a low-hanging wire.
Residents who can't physically move a cart to the curb can apply for an exemption and get back-door pickup at the standard rate, but only after submitting a doctor's certificate and a disability allowance form to the Department. of the day of collection' and stored somewhere not visible from the street. Anyone who leaves a cart at the curb past the deadline can be charged a re-inspection fee if it's still out twenty-four hours after a notice of violation, plus a six-percent administrative fee added to the next utility bill.
Violations & Fines
Leaving a container at the curb more than 24 hours after a notice of violation triggers a re-inspection fee and a six-percent administrative surcharge on the customer's next utility bill under § 26-169(c). Placing containers in violation of the curb-distance and clearance rules can also draw a notice under § 26-165, requiring correction within seven days before the Department collects and bills the customer for special service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to the curb does my trash cart need to be in Tampa?
What time can I put my cart out, and when do I need to bring it in?
What if I physically can't wheel my cart to the curb?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tampa
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