Hillsborough County, FL Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- hazardous-waste generator near park/school
- Distance
- 500 ft park, 1,000 ft school
- Fence height
- at least 5 feet high
- Compliance deadline
- lock installed within 60 days
- Scope
- unincorporated county, excludes Plant City
Summary
Hillsborough County requires solid waste containers used by hazardous-waste generators near parks, playgrounds, or elementary schools to be locked or fenced, protecting children from access to dangerous materials.
(1) Any solid waste container within the affected area must be secured if it is both:
a. Utilized by a small quantity generator of hazardous waste; and
b. Within 500 feet from the perimeter of a park or playground, or within 1,000 feet from the perimeter of an elementary school.
(2) The authorized generator is responsible for determining whether it is subject to Subsection (a)(4)a of this section.
(3) The provisions of Subsection (a)(4)a of this section do not apply to solid waste containers servicing residential units.
(4) The authorized generator shall choose the method of securing the solid waste container.
a. If the method chosen to secure the solid waste container requires the installation of a locking device on the solid waste container or an alteration to the solid waste container itself, the installation or alteration shall be the responsibility of the owner of the solid waste container. Upon notice from the authorized generator, the owner of the solid waste container shall have 60 days to install a locking device or other alteration to the solid waste container. Such owner may charge the user of the solid waste container a reasonable maintenance charge for the locking device and/or alteration.
Full Breakdown
Under the Anthony Storman and Daniel Scott Perez Memorial Dumpster Ordinance, any solid waste container in unincorporated Hillsborough County (and incorporated areas except Plant City) must be secured, locked, or enclosed by a wall or fence at least five feet high, if it is used by a small quantity generator of hazardous waste and sits within 500 feet of a park or playground, or 1,000 feet of an elementary school. The generator chooses the securing method; the container owner installs any locking device within 60 days of notice. Containers must stay secured except while waste is being loaded or collected, and must carry warning labels approved by the County or municipality.
Violations & Fines
Violations go to the local Code Enforcement Board or state prosecution under F.S. § 125.69, plus injunctive or declaratory relief and recovery of damages and fines in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to residential trash cans?
Who pays for the lock or fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview
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