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Before I move a single appliance, I run this quick pre-check so the rest goes smoothly, and legally, here in Tampa. Use it to pick the best path (retailer haul-away, government pickup, donation, self-haul, or hiring help) and avoid the classic gotchas.
Quick checklist
Confirm your jurisdiction: City of Tampa vs. unincorporated Hillsborough County (each has different bulky-pickup rules and fees).
Identify the appliance type: refrigerant unit (fridge/freezer/window A/C) vs. non-refrigerant (washer/dryer/range/dishwasher).
Assess condition: truly working (donation potential) or not worth repairing.
Map the route: stairs, tight turns, thresholds, elevator/HOA rules, driveway clearance.
Prep the unit: unplug, disconnect water lines, defrost 24 hours (for freezers), remove loose parts, tape doors/shelves for transport.
Choose your path: retailer haul-away with delivery, scheduled government pickup, self-haul to a collection center, donation pickup, or a pro hauler.
Safety & gear: second lifter, appliance dolly, straps, gloves, floor protection.
If you already know you’d rather not lift or schedule anything yourself, you can compare your plan against my full scope here: Appliance Removal in Tampa, FL.
First, figure out who services your address—rules and fees change based on that.
Check your address (City): Use the City’s City Limits map and type your address to confirm if you’re inside Tampa city limits. (City of Tampa)
Check your address (County): If you’re outside city limits, the County’s Map Viewer shows what services apply to your property. (Hillsborough County)
If you’re in the City of Tampa:
Request a Curbside Special Solid Waste Pick-up for bulky items (appliances included). Fees apply and are billed by cubic yard; the City’s FAQ lists $17.26 per cubic yard as the current rate (verify when you schedule). (City of Tampa)
City programs like Special Services / S.W.E.E.P. outline set-out rules and program basics. (City of Tampa)
If you’re in unincorporated Hillsborough County:
Schedule before you set out anything: Special Curbside Pickup for Bulky Items (typical fees shown by the County; they note ranges like $30–$50 depending on size/quantity). (Hillsborough County)
Prefer to self-haul? Take appliances to Community Collection Centers (CCC); check accepted items, hours (generally 7:30 AM–5 PM), and ID requirements. You can also confirm locations via Find a Waste Disposal Facility. (Hillsborough County)
Planning a bigger clear-out beyond one appliance? Browse the hub to compare options: Junk Removal in Tampa, FL.
If your appliance contains refrigerant (fridges, freezers, some wine/beer coolers, window A/Cs), don’t crack lines or “let the Freon out.” The EPA’s Section 608 rules prohibit the intentional venting of refrigerants during service or disposal; safe recovery is required. In practice, that means using a program or facility that handles refrigerant properly instead of DIY disassembly. (US EPA)
Door safety matters. If a refrigerator or freezer will sit outside before pickup, remove the doors (and keep shelves in) to prevent child entrapment; this is a long-standing CPSC warning and a common local requirement nationwide. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
Old units can contain more than refrigerant. EPA notes that refrigerators may also have used oil, mercury (older switches/relays), and PCB capacitors (pre-1979). Another reason not to dismantle at home, let an approved hauler or facility deal with recovery and recycling. (US EPA)
Local reality check (Hillsborough County). Refrigerant appliances are accepted at designated Solid Waste Facilities (and you can also schedule a county pickup if you’re in the unincorporated area); confirm sites and instructions here: Refrigerators, Freezers, and Ice Makers on the County site. (hcfl.gov)
If you’re getting a new unit delivered, this is usually the lowest-friction path. Retailers will haul the old appliance when they drop the new one, as long as it’s empty, disconnected, and accessible. Add haul-away at checkout and confirm fees and what they accept (refrigerant units, built-ins, etc.). See the resources section below for the exact policy pages.
If the unit runs, donations can keep it out of the landfill. Be realistic on age, condition, and cleanliness; most programs require appliances to be fully functional with no major defects. Schedule pickup early and have it by the door/garage on the day.
Inside City limits: request a special solid-waste pickup; the City bills by cubic yard and gives a set-out window.
Unincorporated County: Schedule bulky pickup before placing anything at the curb.
Either way, remove fridge/freezer doors for safety, set items where crews can reach them, and don’t let “scrappers” take items you’ve scheduled—this can void your request.
Load safely with a second lifter, an appliance dolly, and straps. Sort metals separately for faster intake, bring ID/utility bill if required, and check hours before you go. Keep lines capped and units defrosted to avoid leaks in the vehicle.
I recommend this when you’ve got stairs/tight turns, heavy refrigerant units, a deadline, or you simply value your back and floors. A good hauler handles safe removal, compliant disposition (refrigerants/oils), and leaves the area tidy, often cheaper than a damaged doorway or missed pickup window.
You’ll find verified links for City/County requests, donation options, and retailer haul-away policies in the Helpful Resources section coming up, so you can click straight through without hunting.
I stage every appliance job the same way so nothing derails day-of. Run this list and you’ll avoid most headaches.
Unplug & disconnect: Power off, water supply closed, hoses drained/capped, gas (if any) shut off by a pro.
Defrost & dry: For fridges/freezers, empty and defrost 24 hours ahead; wipe moisture to prevent leaks on floors/truck.
Secure loose parts: Tape doors, shelves, and cords; remove racks, filters, and ice bins.
Measure the path: Doorways, stair turns, elevator depth; pop door pins if you need a wider swing.
Protect surfaces: Lay down runners or cardboard on high-traffic paths; pad sharp corners with towels/blankets.
Lift gear: Appliance dolly, two ratchet straps, work gloves, and one strong helper (minimum).
Clear the landing zones: Space by the exit door and at curb/truck so you’re not pivoting under load.
HOA/condo rules: Confirm set-out windows, elevator reservations, or loading dock access if applicable.
Weather check: Avoid heavy rain during set-out or transport; secure tarps/blankets if exposure is likely.
Documentation handy: Any pickup confirmation number, facility hours, and a photo of the set-out (in case of disputes).
Meet their requirements. Empty the unit, defrost 24 hrs (freezers), disconnect water/gas, and clear a straight path.
Day-of checklist. Tape doors/shelves, coil and tape the cord, protect floors with runners, prop doors open.
Handoff. Confirm haul-away is on the work order, note any dents/scratches before they move it, and photograph the area after removal.
Follow your confirmation. Set out only during the assigned window and at the location specified (curb/drive).
Make it safe & compliant. Remove refrigerator/freezer doors, keep units upright, and keep set-out off the street and storm drains.
Prevent scavenging. Place items close to the home side of the curb; if anyone tries to take them, remind them it’s a scheduled pickup (some jurisdictions prohibit removal).
Document. Snap a photo of the staged items and your confirmation number in case of delays.
Stage & sort. Two-person lift, appliance dolly, straps. Separate metal from non-metal parts for faster intake.
Protect your vehicle. Pad edges with blankets, keep doors taped, and keep units upright to avoid residual leaks.
Bring what they ask for. Government ID/utility bill (if required), facility address/hours, and tie-downs for the return trip.
Unload efficiently. Follow staff directions, drop metal where indicated, and keep your receipt in case your HOA asks for proof of proper disposal.
Here’s how I set expectations in Tampa without guessing or getting burned by fine print:
Retailer haul-away (with a new purchase)
The easiest path if you’re replacing the unit. Expect a clearly listed add-on fee at checkout; they’ll haul the old one when they deliver the new, as long as it’s empty, disconnected, and accessible. Policies vary by retailer, so confirm coverage (refrigerant units, stairs) before delivery.
Government pickup (curbside)
City of Tampa: Request a Curbside Special Solid Waste Pick-up. The City bills by cubic yard and gives you a set-out window.
Unincorporated Hillsborough County: Schedule Special Curbside Pickup for Bulky Items before placing anything at the curb. Fees depend on item size/quantity and are confirmed when you book.
Self-haul to a facility
Cheapest cash outlay if you have a truck and a helper. Bring ID (and a utility bill if required), keep metals separate, and check hours for Community Collection Centers (CCC). Your cost is mostly time, fuel, and any posted facility fees.
Hire a pro
Worth it when you have stairs/tight turns, heavy refrigerant units, or tight timing. You’re paying for safe handling, compliant refrigerant/oil disposition, liability coverage, and a tidy finish, often cheaper than a damaged doorway or a missed municipal pickup.
These are the slip-ups I see most in Tampa, and they’re easy to prevent:
Setting appliances at the curb without scheduling.
In unincorporated Hillsborough County, you must schedule first: Special Curbside Pickup for Bulky Items. Inside City limits, request a Curbside Special Solid Waste Pick-up and follow the set-out window.
Cracking refrigerant lines or “venting Freon.”
EPA Section 608 prohibits intentional venting and sets safe-disposal rules—don’t dismantle sealed systems at home. Use approved haul-away or facility programs: EPA Section 608.
Leaving fridge/freezer doors on during set-out.
Remove doors (and secure loose shelves) to prevent entrapment and speed pickup.
Skipping the defrost.
Freezers need 24 hours to defrost; pooled water can damage floors, thresholds, and truck beds.
Blocking sidewalks or storm drains.
Stage items where crews specify (curb/drive), not in the street or over inlets.
Letting “scrappers” take scheduled items.
Once you’ve arranged a government pickup, unauthorized removal can void the request; keep items in place until the official crew arrives.
No floor/path protection.
Use runners or cardboard and measure tight turns; a $10 runner is cheaper than a gouged doorway.
By now, you’ve got every path that works in Tampa—retailer haul-away, scheduled City/County pickup, donation (when it truly runs), or a quick self-haul to a CCC. Pick the route that fits, prep the unit (unplug, disconnect, defrost, remove doors), and you’ll be done without fines, damage, or wasted trips. Planning a larger cleanup? Browse Junk Removal in Tampa, FL for related options.
Use the City’s City Limits Map or the County’s Map Viewer to confirm jurisdiction before you book a pickup.
Do it. Door removal prevents child entrapment and is widely advised by safety authorities like the CPSC. CPSC guidance (PDF).
Yes. EPA Section 608 prohibits intentional venting during service or disposal. Use approved programs/facilities that recover refrigerant. See EPA: Venting Prohibition and Safe Disposal Requirements.
Take them to a Community Collection Center (CCC); hours and accepted items are listed under Find a Waste Disposal Facility.
The City lists $17.26 per cubic yard in its Solid Waste FAQ (confirm current rates when you schedule): Solid Waste FAQ.
Whether you need a quick garage cleanout or a full property haul-away, Junk Guyz is here to make it easy, affordable, and stress-free.
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