With infrastructure improvements topping the list of priorities for the next few years, the City of Tampa, Florida has completed a $100 million retrofit of its McKay Bay Waste-to-Energy Facility.
Originally established in 1985, it is a cornerstone of Tampa’s Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management Department. The facility converts over two million pounds of waste daily into electrical energy, powering approximately 15,000 homes monthly. Beyond electricity generation, the facility prioritizes sustainability by recovering metals from processed ash and employing a multi-step pollution control system for gases.
The $100 million investment ensures compliance with industry standards, securing the facility’s functionality for future generations and enhancing its waste-to-energy capabilities. Additionally, facility buildings, technology and machinery have been modernized. Waste-to-energy facilities are typically designed with a 20 to 30 year estimated operating life. Upgrading the city’s current facility will help to extend the life span of the McKay Bay Waste to Energy Facility as the city continues to grow.
The City of Tampa assumed direct operation of the McKay Bay Waste to Energy Facility on June 1, 2020, becoming the second city in the nation to do so. This transition has led to the hiring of over 55 employees, bringing workforce opportunities and valuable expertise to the team.