Skip to main content
Saturday, October 31, 2026Oct 31

This story is free to read.

Highly intoxicated couple sleeping in dumpster get emptied into garbage truck

This is a contributed photo of the dumpster out back of the Save-A-Lot store in Murphy, N.C.
This is a contributed photo of the dumpster out back of the Save-A-Lot store in Murphy, N.C. This is a contributed photo of the dumpster out back of the Save-A-Lot store in Murphy, N.C.

TAMPA, Fla. — Authorities in Florida say a man and woman who were intoxicated had to be rescued after falling asleep in a dumpster that was later emptied into a garbage truck.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s officials say the couple had been sleeping in a dumpster outside a convenience store near Tampa early Wednesday. When the dumpster was emptied into the back of the garbage truck, they started screaming and banging on the sides of the truck.

Rescue crews were called just after 5 a.m. They removed 37-year-old Donald L. Jordan and 49-year-old Lisa Sirbella from the truck. They were taken to Tampa General Hospital after complaining of back pain.

Deputies originally believed they were homeless, but learned they were highly intoxicated after hanging out at a nearby casino.