A year into its first Yard Waste Program, the City of Tampa’s Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management Department has composted more than 20 million pounds of yard waste, enough to fill nearly four Olympic swimming pools, and is gearing up for another free compost giveaway for residents, ahead of the upcoming dry weather season.
In 2024, the department partnered with Veransa Group to divert yard waste from landfills and give it new purpose. Over the past year, Veransa Group has received more than 20,923,240 pounds of yard waste from local residents and converted it into nutrient-rich compost and mulch that it sells and distributes across the region.
Not only does it divert waste from landfills, the initiative also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and optimizes space at the city’s McKay Bay Waste-to-Energy plant, where all waste is processed and burned into energy. The enhanced program goes beyond waste reduction and plays a crucial role in water conservation. Tampa’s average rainfall in March 2020 and 2024 was 2.4 inches, and between March 2020 and 2023, it was less than an inch. During dry months, compost enhances soil moisture retention.
Last Summer, 150 residents received compost made through the Yard Waste Program during a community giveaway. The next compost giveaway will take place on April 25 and 26. Visit tampa.gov/water for an application form. “In alignment with our Climate Action and Equity Plan, composting our yard waste is a big step toward creating a more sustainable Tampa,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “But residents and businesses will play a big role in making sure they remember to dispose of yard waste appropriately in order for the program to be successful.”