Florida DEP Recycling Initiative

The Florida DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) and state legislature recently introduced a new recycling initiative aimed at boosting Florida’s recycling level to seventy-five percent by 2020. The state has created this goal to save energy, protect the environment, and prevent the waste of useful materials. Here is some information about the Florida DEP initiative and recycling in general:

The state of Florida currently has an average recycling rate of about twenty-eight percent. Some parts of Florida have achieved higher rates; Sarasota County recycles forty-one percent of its solid waste. Nonetheless, most Floridians will have to more than double their present level to achieve the new goal. Considering that Florida successfully raised this rate to seven times its level twenty years ago, this is certainly possible to achieve.

This can be accomplished in many ways; people can recycle everything from magazines and aluminum cans to building remnants and fishing line. It’s important for people to realize how many things may be recycled. For example, it’s possible to refill printer ink cartridges or reuse concrete as a parking surface. However, local governments and businesses must offer adequate opportunities for area residents to easily recycle a wide range of items.

Florida DEP Recycling Initiative

As the Florida DEP points out, it’s also important for more businesses to use recycled material; there’s no benefit in recycling if the materials sit unsold in a warehouse. This applies to many types of businesses; a factory might use recycled plastic containers, a restaurant may put recycled paper towel in its kitchen, or a marina could purchase recycled outdoor furniture. Retailers can promote recycling by stocking more recycled products.

The new Florida DEP recycling initiative has encouraged state government agencies to buy supplies made with recycled materials and enhance opportunities for state office employees to recycle. It also calls upon schools to recycle more and better educate students on the subject. Some schools collect drink containers, used paper, and even leftover food (for compost). School cafeterias could also reduce waste by using metal eating utensils rather than plastic.

A paper released by the Florida DEP earlier this month suggests various strategies to expand recycling in the state. Residents could be charged a fee based upon how much garbage they discard, rewarded for recycling more, or allowed to put all recyclables in the same container. The state could also establish a bottle redemption law, which would require a deposit of five or ten cents per beverage bottle or can (the deposit is refunded when someone returns the container).

The Florida DEP recycling initiative’s success will likely depend upon the commitment of the public, business owners, and other government agencies to improve and expand efforts to recycle. Much of the rest of the United States can do more to expand recycling as well; the national recycling rate is about thirty-two percent. If Florida’s initiative can achieve success, it will help inspire other states to recycle more as well.

SOURCES:
1. Florida DEP
2. Fusion Recycled Products
3. Environmental Protection Agency