Cart-To-Curb FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is automated trash collection?
A method of residential trash collection whereby a truck with a mechanical “arm” lifts specially designed “carts” (cans) and dumps them into the truck body without the driver having to leave the cab. A 95-gallon cart holds up to 200 pounds of trash (as much as three typical garbage cans) but is still easy to roll to the curb. Carts will be offered in 3 sizes: 95, 65, and 35 gallons.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
Why is the City changing to automated trash collection?
Automated collection increases the efficiency of trash collection while improving safety. Both reduce operating costs and help stabilize rates. It also improves the cleanliness and curb appeal of our community.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
When will the change occur?
Half of the City’s residential customers were converted to automated collection in August 2021. The other half of the City is expected to see conversion in August 2022.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
What will happen to the Solid Waste employees?
The two-phased approach to conversion will allow us to adjust the staffing levels of Solid Waste without layoffs through a combination of promotions, retirements, transfers, and normal attrition. Automation also benefits the department’s workforce by reducing the physical labor requirements of waste collection.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
What do I have to do in advance of the conversion to automated collection?
The City anticipates holding public meetings and presenting at neighborhood association meetings and civic organization meetings to explain what can be expected and to answer questions. Educational material will be mailed to customers, including a questionnaire on the cart size you wish to receive. Check out the City’s website or social media sites for additional information or call the City’s Cart-To-Curb Hotline at 813.946.8180 or send an email to solidwaste@plantcitygov.com if you have questions.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
Will my collection day change?
If your collection day is changing, you will be notified in advance regarding your new collection days.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
Will my monthly rate for solid waste collection change?
Yes. The rates for the new program are: $27.50 for 95-gallon cart, $25.50 for 65-gallon cart and $23.00 for 35-gallon cart. This includes the same level of service currently provided: trash collection twice weekly, recycling and yard waste collection once weekly, bulk items collected as needed, and one free grabber load collected per 12-month period. Front door service will still be provided for qualified residents.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
Is there a fee for the cart?
No, the cost of a cart, collection, and disposal are included in the monthly rate.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
Will a 95-gallon cart be big enough for my household?
A 95-gallon cart serviced twice per week is more than adequate for a family of four. It holds as much as three typical garbage cans. Recycling can also help offset the volume of garbage disposed. Learn more about our recycling program by visiting https://www.plantcitygov.com/solid-waste/page/recycling-program-information
Category: Automated Trash Collection
What if my trash will not completely fit in the cart?
Utilize the second collection day of the week for trash that will not fit in the cart on the first day. If there is still too much, call for a special pick-up. Four special pick-ups of up to three 30-gallon trash bags weighing under 50 pounds each will be provided annually at no extra cost. If trash is placed on top of the cart lid or the cart is overflowing, the driver will not service it.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
Can I get more than one cart?
Yes. An extra cart in your choice of size will be provided for an additional monthly fee: $17.50 for an additional 95-gallon cart, $16.50 for an additional 65-gallon, and $15.00 for an additional 35-gallon cart.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
Can I use my own cans?
No. The carts provided by the City are designed for the automated trucks and must be used to achieve the benefits of the program.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
Do I need to bag my trash?
Bagging of your trash is strongly encouraged as it will keep it from blowing while being dumped and will help keep the inside of your cart clean.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
What can I put in the cart?
Household garbage only. No yard waste, furniture, hazardous chemicals, appliances, tires, or construction and demolition material.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
How will bulk items be collected, such as furniture, appliances and tires?
The Solid Waste Department will continue to collect bulk items with the conversion to automated trash collection. Residents will need to contact Customer Service at 813.659.4222 to request a special pickup of large items that will not fit within the cart so a different truck can be dispatched. These items will be collected within 5 business days of your request. Small bulk items that can be picked up manually (ex. t.v., carpet, chair, large toys, etc.) will be picked up on your second trash day of the week without a special pick-up request.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
Who is responsible for washing the cart?
Customers are responsible for washing carts.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
When should I put the cart at the curb?
Place the cart at the curb by 6 a.m. the morning of your trash collection day but no earlier than dusk the night before collection day; remove it by 6 a.m. the day following collection. A fee of $10 per day may be assessed on the utility account for carts left at the curb beyond this time frame.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
Where should I place the cart?
The cart should be located within 6 feet of the edge of pavement in front of your residence and no closer than 3 feet from objects (mailboxes, poles, vehicles, trees, other carts, etc.) unless the account is established for front door service. Do not place the cart in the road or blocking the sidewalk. Place the cart with the lid opening toward the street (arrows on lid pointing toward the street).
Category: Automated Trash Collection
What if my cart cannot be serviced on collection day?
Carts that are inaccessible, facing the wrong direction or contain inappropriate material will not be serviced. Correct this issue and place the cart out on your next trash collection day.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
Will the cart roll away on a slope?
The 2-wheeled cart is designed to roll only when it is tilted and pulled by a person.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
If the cart falls over, will the cart be serviced?
The automated carts are of an extremely stable design and can withstand heavy wind. You are responsible for proper use of the cart including cleaning up trash removed from the carts by wind or other acts beyond the control of the City. In the case of extreme weather, keep the cart secured.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
What if the cart gets damaged or stolen?
If damage is caused by the Solid Waste driver or through normal wear, the City will replace it at no charge. If damage is caused by the customer or the cart is stolen, a fee of $75 will be assessed on the utility bill for a replacement cart.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
If I move, can I take the cart with me?
No. The cart is assigned to the address and is property of the City.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
What should I do with the cart I own?
The container you currently use for garbage can be re-purposed in several ways: to hold yard waste or recycling or for storing things. If you want City staff to dispose of it, place it at your usual collection point on garbage day with a sign on it that says, “TAKE.” This will notify our staff to dispose of it.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
How will yard waste be collected?
Yard waste collection service will not change with the conversion to automated trash collection. For information on the collection of yard waste, contact the Solid Waste Department at 813.757.9208 or email solidwaste@plantcitygov.com or www.plantcitygov.com/solid-waste/page/yard-debris-guidelines
Category: Automated Trash Collection
How will hazardous waste be collected?
The Solid Waste Department is not permitted to collect hazardous waste. You may obtain information on disposing of hazardous household chemicals by calling Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management Department at 813.272.5680.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
What about street parking?
Avoid parking in front of the cart so the mechanical arm can safely access it. Blocked carts will not be emptied.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
I live in a multi-family complex. Will I get a cart?
Multi-family units that currently receive service via dumpster will continue to be serviced in the same manner. If a residence receives curbside collection service, such as a duplex or house with multiple units, the account holder should contact Utilities Billing to request the preferred quantity and sizes of carts. Appropriate rates will be applied to the account.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
What if I move into an existing residence that does not have a cart?
Contact Utility Billing to request a cart. A fee of $75 will be assessed on the utility bill.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
Is the recycling program going to change?
The City’s recycling collection program will not change with the new automated trash collection program. Doing so allows the community and Solid Waste employees time to adapt to the new collection system. Anticipating enhanced recycling efforts with the new automated collection system, the City will continue to provide additional recycling bins, if needed.
Category: Automated Trash Collection
