FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 18, 2014
DEP CELEBRATES FLORIDA RECYCLES DAY WITH THREE RECYCLING RECOGNITION AWARDS
~Multiple companies prove their commitment to long-term recycling efforts~
 Division of Waste Management Director Jorge Caspary speaks about the impact of recycling.
TALLAHASSEE – Florida Recycles Day 2014 celebrates the statewide determination of businesses and residents to ensure recycling is a top priority throughout daily life. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection inducted three businesses into the Recycling Recognition Program for demonstrating their commitment to Florida's aggressive recycling goals.
"Recycling has become a necessity to Florida's environmental future," said Division of Waste Management Director Jorge Caspary. "The commercial sector has a tremendous opportunity to build upon this culture, and we want every business to see the advantages of integrating recycling into their daily operations."
Native Nurseries, Mad Dog Construction and Earth Fare's Tallahassee location were all rewarded for their strong recycling efforts. Each business has proven it is actively recycling greater than the Recycling Recognition Program's standard of 40 percent of its total solid waste.
The awards were presented at the state Capitol during the Florida Recycles Day celebration. The Florida Recycling Partnership hosted business attendees including Publix, Coca-Cola and Aeris Apparel. Additionally, this event was attended by numerous recycling advocate groups including the Florida Recyclers Association, National Waste & Recycling Association, and Sustainable Florida.
“Native Nurseries has always strived to recycle, and we
always try to spread the word of recycling through our business,” says Norma
Skaggs, a 24-year senior employee and recycling enthusiast. “We've been on the recycling bandwagon for a
long time and hope that this trend continues into the future.”
"Mad Dog Construction has always been concerned about,
and has gone to great lengths to be a responsible steward of, the
environment," said Mad Dog Construction Co-Owner and Senior Vice President Kelly Dozier. "As recycling in Florida has become more available, Mad
Dog Construction has taken advantage of every
opportunity to reduce waste from our projects and our office. We are
honored to be recognized by DEP for our recycling efforts."
“Earth Fare is honored to accept this award," said Carlie Fair, Regional Marketing Manager. "We are always
looking for ways to do our part in the community, recycling is a simple way we
can help make a difference.”
Commercial municipal solid waste accounts for approximately 55 percent of the total municipal solid waste stream in Florida. In order for Florida to reach 75 percent by 2020, a goal established by the Florida Legislature in 2008, the department is urging all sectors, especially the commercial sector, to actively increase its recycling efforts. According to the 2013 data, only 51 percent of commercial waste is being recycled. It is crucial that businesses, schools and other commercial recyclers increase their recycling efforts. Recycling provides a direct cost savings to most businesses because the more that is recycled, the less waste and lower waste-management operating costs. Reuse of materials can also represent a cost savings.
“The only way Florida is going
to achieve a higher recycling rate is for the commercial sector to do its
part,” said Keyna Cory, executive director for the Florida Recycling
Partnership. “The partnership’s mission is to educate policy makers and
the general public about the benefits of recycling and how it can be
profitable.”
The department has an easy tool for companies to track their recycling efforts -- the Florida DEP Business Recycling Tracking Tool. Through the website, which includes free registration, companies can track different types of recycling efforts and produce reports on how those efforts are helping to shrink their carbon footprint. The tracking will help the department to recognize companies that are doing more to go green. For more information about the Recycling Recognition Program click here.
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