Tampa becomes second city in the nation to run and operate its own waste to energy facility

Tampa is taking huge steps towards becoming a green city. On June 16th, it was announced that the City of Tampa Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management had become the second city in the nation to own and operate it’s own energy facility.

The transition is expected to reduce the annual operating expenses by approximately $5 million. The city intends to then invest those savings into the facility to increase the longevity of the plant and ensure maximum energy is produced from Tampa’s waste stream.

The McKay Bay WTE facility, converts more than 2 million pounds of household and commercial refuse into a renewable fuel source – electrical energy each day.

“The safe operation of Tampa’s solid waste system has become more apparent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective removal and disposal practices have been essential towards maintaining sanitary conditions throughout our City. Although the pandemic wasn’t on the radar when we considered our options, the development of the current events solidified our decision to take on this endeavor.” said Mark Wilfalk, Director in a release.