If you’ve ever loaded up a pickup truck with old plywood, busted drywall, or that ancient sofa your cat finally reclaimed for the elements, you’ve probably heard of the Alderman’s Ford Solid Waste Facility. It’s one of those places people in Hillsborough County mention in passing, usually followed by a question about whether they’re actually open on Tuesdays or if they’ll take a refrigerator.
It’s located out at 9402 County Road 39 in Plant City.
People call it "the dump." That’s not really accurate, though. It’s actually a Yard Waste Processing Center and a Solid Waste Transfer Station. There is a massive difference between a landfill where stuff sits forever and a transfer station where things are sorted, crunched down, and hauled off to more permanent homes. Most folks head out there thinking they can just toss anything over a ledge. Honestly, that’s how you end up driving back home with a full truck bed and a frustrated afternoon.
Hillsborough County runs a pretty tight ship here. If you aren't a resident, or if you show up with commercial waste in a personal vehicle, things get complicated fast.
Getting Your Stuff Through the Gate
The first thing you need to know about the Alderman’s Ford Solid Waste Facility is that your property tax bill is basically your ticket in. You pay a solid waste assessment. If you live in the City of Tampa, Temple Terrace, or Plant City proper, you might have different rules because those cities have their own trash systems. But for the unincorporated county folks? This is your hub.
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Don't just show up. You need a photo ID. It has to match the address of the residence where the junk came from.
The facility is usually open Monday through Saturday, from about 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. But here is the kicker: they close on major holidays. If it’s Labor Day or Christmas, don't even bother. The line on Monday mornings can be brutal. You’ll see a row of trucks stretching down CR 39, idling in the Florida heat while everyone waits to hit the scales. If you can swing a Wednesday morning, you’ll save yourself a lot of headache.
Sentence length matters less than the weight of your load.
Seriously.
They weigh you when you come in. They weigh you when you leave. The difference is what you pay—or don't pay. For residential users dropping off basic yard waste or household junk, there are often no-charge limits up to a certain tonnage per year, but you have to check the current county fee schedule because those numbers shift like Florida sand.
What They Actually Take (and What They Hate)
You can't just throw a lead-acid battery into the pile of oak limbs.
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Alderman’s Ford Solid Waste Facility is specifically designed for a few streams of waste. Yard waste is a big one. Think limbs, brush, grass clippings, and those massive palm fronds that never seem to rot in your backyard. They grind this stuff up. It eventually becomes mulch or gets used in other ways, so keeping it "clean"—meaning no plastic bags, no metal fence posts mixed in—is a huge deal for the staff.
Then there’s the "Class III" waste. This is the bulky stuff.
- Old furniture (the stuff the regular trash guy won't touch).
- Carpet scraps from your weekend DIY project.
- Toilets. (Yes, people dump a lot of toilets).
- Large appliances, though these usually have specific bays.
One massive misconception is about hazardous waste. You can’t just roll up with three gallons of old pool chemicals and a crate of fluorescent light bulbs. Hillsborough County has specific "Household Hazardous Waste" collection days for that kind of stuff. Alderman’s Ford isn't always the spot for it. If you show up with a barrel of used motor oil on a random Thursday, they’re probably going to point you toward the facility on Sheldon Road or a specific collection event.
Tires are another sticking point. You can usually bring them, but there’s a limit. Usually, it’s around 10 to 12 tires per year per household. Any more than that and they start looking at you like a commercial tire shop trying to skirt the fees.
Why the Tarp Rule Matters
Hillsborough County Code Enforcement doesn't play around with unsecured loads. If you drive to the Alderman’s Ford Solid Waste Facility with a bed full of loose trash and no tarp, you might get a ticket before you even get to the window.
It’s about safety. CR 39 is a busy road. A single piece of flying plywood can end a motorcyclist’s life. Even if it’s just a bag of grass, cover it. The facility staff might even charge you an extra fee for an "unsecured load." It’s one of those "hidden" costs people moan about on Facebook groups, but it’s easily avoidable with a ten-dollar tarp from the hardware store.
The Logistics of the Site
When you pull in, stay in your lane. Literally. There are lanes for different types of vehicles. Small cars and SUVs usually go one way; big trailers and dump trucks go another.
The facility uses a series of concrete bays and "tipping floors." If you’ve never been to a transfer station, it’s loud. There are front-loaders moving around, the smell of decaying organic matter (especially in the summer), and the constant beep-beep-beep of reversing trucks.
It is a dirty job.
Wear boots. Don't show up in flip-flops. I’ve seen people trying to unload a trailer of thorny bougainvillea clippings in sandals, and it never ends well. Between the nails on the ground and the sharp debris, you want real footwear.
The Cost Factor
Most people think it’s free. It isn't. You already paid for it on your taxes. However, if you exceed the annual "free" tonnage—which is typically around 2 tons for residential users—you’ll start paying by the pound.
Commercial haulers? They pay every single time.
If you're a landlord cleaning out a tenant’s mess, you are technically a business. The staff at Alderman’s Ford are pretty good at spotting a commercial "pro" masquerading as a homeowner. If your truck has a logo on the side, expect to pay the commercial rate.
A Note on Alderman's Ford Park
People get confused because the facility is right near the Alderman's Ford Conservation Park. Do not pull into the park with a trailer full of trash. The park is for hiking, canoeing, and looking at the Alafia River. The waste facility is a separate entity further down the road. It seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people end up at the park entrance asking where the scale house is.
Concrete Steps for a Successful Trip
Don't make this harder than it needs to be. A trip to the facility should be a 20-minute chore, not a three-hour saga.
- Check the Load: Separate your yard waste from your "junk." If you have a trailer with both, you’ll likely have to move to two different areas of the facility, which means unloading twice.
- Bring the ID: No ID, no entry. It has to be a Florida driver’s license or a government-issued ID with your Hillsborough address.
- The Tarp is Non-Negotiable: Cover the load. Use bungee cords. Make sure nothing can fly out at 55 mph.
- Time it Right: Avoid 7:30 AM on Mondays. Avoid the hour before closing on Saturdays. Mid-week, mid-morning is the sweet spot.
- Check the Weather: If it has been raining for three days straight, the yard waste area can get muddy. Real muddy. If you have a heavy trailer and a two-wheel-drive truck, you might find yourself spinning tires in the muck.
The Alderman’s Ford Solid Waste Facility is a vital piece of infrastructure for Plant City and the surrounding rural areas. It keeps the ditches clean and prevents illegal dumping in our woods. Just follow the rules, keep your load secured, and have your paperwork ready. It’s a simple process if you don't try to beat the system.
Before you head out, grab your most recent tax bill or a utility bill just in case your ID address hasn't been updated yet. It's the best way to prove you’re a resident and avoid getting turned away at the gate.