Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Lutz
Trash Day
Varies by neighborhood zone
Recycling
Varies by neighborhood zone
Yard Waste
Varies by neighborhood zone
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash, recycling, and yard waste collection services are funded via an annual non-ad valorem assessment included directly on your Hillsborough County property tax bill.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Property Tax Bill (Online, Escrow, Mail, In Person)
Pro Tip / Discount
Senior citizens (age 65+) may apply for a disposal assessment discount. A Solid Waste Hardship & Affordability Credit, disability exemptions, and free backdoor assistance are also offered to qualifying residents.
Gray Cart Bin (Trash)
Everything must fit inside the gray cart with the lid closed. Place carts at the curb by 6 AM, at least 3 feet apart and 3 feet away from mailboxes, trees, or parked cars, with the lid arrows pointing toward the street.
Accepted Items
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Windows, mirrors, and ceramics
- ✓Clothing, shoes, and textiles
- ✓Fake plants
- ✓Soiled paper items
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Plastic items that fit in the cart (including old grocery bags)
- ✓Incandescent light bulbs
- ✓Hoses, ropes, and cords
Blue Cart Bin (Recycling)
Do NOT bag recyclables. All items must be clean, dry, and placed loosely inside the blue cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean and empty plastic bottles and containers
- ✓Clean and empty aluminum cans
- ✓Clean and empty glass bottles and jars
- ✓Dry paper, newspaper, and junk mail
- ✓Clean and empty metal, milk, and juice containers
- ✓Dry flattened cardboard and paperboard boxes
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags, bagged recyclables, or plastic film
- ✕Food, liquids, or dirty materials
- ✕Batteries, chemicals, or motor oil
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Clothing, furniture, or carpet
- ✕Foam cups or Styrofoam containers
Yard Waste Bin
Use your own cans, boxes, or bags (under 50 lbs each). Set out limit is 2 cubic yards (about 12 bags). Must be free of paint, glue, or treatments.
Accepted Items
- ✓Branches and limbs (less than 4 ft long and 6 inches in diameter)
- ✓Brush and grass clippings
- ✓Leaves and palm fronds
- ✓Untreated wood and shrub trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand by request, or via self-hauling to a Community Collection Center
Placement
Special collection items must be placed at the curb, at least 3 feet away from carts, mailboxes, and parked cars, and strictly avoiding placement under low-hanging tree limbs or power lines.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Couches and bulky furniture
- ✓ Large household appliances (white goods)
- ✓ Excessive brush (with special coordination)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household hazardous waste (paint, oil, chemicals)
- ✕ Large-scale construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Automotive parts
- ✕ Dirt, rocks, and concrete
Scheduling a special curbside pickup through the county generally costs between $30 to $50, depending on the size and quantity of the items. Alternatively, residents can self-haul to a county facility.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If an observed holiday falls on a weekday, collections for the rest of that week are typically pushed back one day (e.g., Thursday service moves to Friday). If the holiday falls on a weekend, there are usually no service delays.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collection follows the exact same holiday delay schedule as regular garbage and recycling.
Always refer to the Hillsborough County Solid Waste holiday schedule online, as specific delay days can occasionally vary by exact collection zone.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
February to AprilTake advantage of the county's expanded yard waste limits. During these three months, you can set out up to 3 cubic yards of yard debris (or eighteen 30-gallon bags/containers) to help manage spring growth and tree pruning.
Summer/Fall
June to NovemberDuring Florida's Atlantic Hurricane Season, avoid doing major tree trimming if a named storm is approaching. If a hurricane warning is issued for Hillsborough County, do not place new yard waste or bulky items at the curb, as they can become dangerous projectiles.
Winter
December to JanuaryFollowing the holidays, live Christmas trees can be collected at the curb with your standard yard waste. Make sure to remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and stands. If the tree is extremely large, it must be cut down to fit the standard 4-foot branch rule.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Old Cans and Bottles into Cash Right Here in Lutz!
Hey neighbors! While you're keeping Lutz clean, ever wonder if those empty cans and bottles could actually make you a little money? Florida has a state program where you can get 10 cents back for certain beverage containers. While we don't have a specific buyback center right *in* Lutz, the nearest spots to cash in on those recyclables are usually a short drive away in Tampa. Check out places like those that often handle scrap metal as well; they might also take aluminum cans. Keeping an eye out for local community recycling drives can also be a good way to make some extra cash while helping out.
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in the Lutz Area
Before you toss something that still has life left in it, think about donating! For furniture, clothing, or household items that are in good shape, consider reaching out to Habitat for Humanity ReStores. They have locations nearby that support building projects and offer great deals to shoppers. There are also several local thrift stores in and around Lutz that welcome donations, helping to support various causes. It’s a fantastic way to reduce waste and help out others in our community.
Keeping Our Streets Litter-Free: Reporting & Community Action
Let's be honest, nobody likes seeing trash piled up where it shouldn't be. If you ever spot illegal dumping happening or see a concerning amount of litter in a public space around Lutz, it’s good to know who to tell. You can report these issues directly to the Hillsborough County Solid Waste Department. They have specific procedures for handling these situations and cleaning up affected areas. Keep an eye out for any community clean-up events that pop up too; pitching in is a great way to show pride in our neighborhood and keep Lutz beautiful for everyone.
Drop-off Facilities
Northwest County Solid Waste Facility
8001 W. Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33625
Materials Accepted
Hillsborough Heights Solid Waste Facility
6209 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lutz have its own city trash collection?
No. Because Lutz is primarily an unincorporated area, residential trash, recycling, and yard waste services are managed by Hillsborough County Solid Waste, which utilizes franchised haulers like Waste Management or Republic Services.
How do I dispose of a mattress or large couch in Lutz?
You can transport large furniture directly to a Hillsborough County Community Collection Center, or you can call Solid Waste Customer Service at (813) 272-5680 to arrange a special curbside collection, which will incur a fee (usually between $30 and $50).
Can I bag my recyclables in the blue cart?
Absolutely not. Hillsborough County strictly prohibits plastic bags in the blue recycling carts. Bagged items are considered contamination and can jam the recycling plant's machinery. Toss your clean recyclables loosely into the cart.
Is there a limit to how much yard waste I can put out?
Yes. The standard weekly curbside limit is 2 cubic yards, which equals about twelve 30-gallon bags or containers. However, during the spring months of February, March, and April, the county temporarily increases this limit to 3 cubic yards (up to 18 bags).