Tampa Republic

The City of Tampa has announced the completion of a $100 million retrofit of its McKay Bay Waste to Energy Facility. Established in 1985, the facility is integral to Tampa's Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management Department, converting over two million pounds of waste daily into electrical energy for approximately 15,000 homes each month. In addition to generating electricity, the facility recovers metals from processed ash and employs a multi-step pollution control system for gases.

The $100 million investment aims to ensure compliance with industry standards, secure the facility's future functionality, and enhance its waste-to-energy capabilities. Modernizations include updates to buildings, technology, and machinery. Typically designed with a 20-30 year operating life span, these upgrades are expected to extend the life of the McKay Bay Waste to Energy Facility as Tampa continues to grow.

"Investing in McKay Bay's Waste to Energy Facility is a strategic commitment to the health, safety, and future prosperity of the City of Tampa," said Mayor Jane Castor. "The facility's daily conversion of household and commercial waste into renewable electrical energy underscores its crucial role in sustainable waste management, making this investment more critical than ever to ensure this operation reaches its full potential, especially as our city grows."

On June 1, 2020, Tampa assumed direct operation of the McKay Bay Waste to Energy Facility, becoming only the second city in the nation to do so. This transition resulted in hiring over 55 employees, bringing new workforce opportunities and valuable expertise.

For more information on the McKay Bay Waste to Energy Capital Improvement Project visit www.tampagov.net/mckaybay.

Contact

306 East Jackson Street

Tampa, Florida 33602

(813) 274-8211

###