FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 25, 2016
RECYCLING RATES IN FLORIDA CONTINUE TO
CLIMB
~2015 data shows that
the statewide recycling rate is now 54 percent~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –
Florida’s
recycling rate is now 54 percent, up 4 percent from last year, according to
2015 data released by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. View
the complete 2015 Municipal
Solid Waste Annual Report.
The recycling rate is
calculated by combining the traditional recycling efforts, such as curbside
recycling and materials collected at recycling centers, with the state’s
accumulated renewable energy credits, which are based on the amount of
renewable energy generated from municipal solid waste.
In 2015, recycled municipal solid
waste increased by nearly 9 percent, from 12.6 million tons to 13.7
million tons. Additionally, the operation of waste-to-energy facilities and the
conversion of landfill gas to energy created 3.4 million megawatt-hours of
electricity in 2015.
Top 10 Counties for
Total Recycling Rates:
- Palm Beach,
Hillsborough – 72 percent
- Lee – 69 percent
-
Pasco – 65 percent
- Collier, Sarasota – 63 percent
- Alachua, Monroe – 61 percent
- Charlotte – 60 percent
Top 10 Counties for
Traditional Recycling Rates:
- Charlotte – 59 percent
- Brevard, Martin – 58 percent
- Sarasota, Collier – 56 percent
- St. Lucie – 54 percent
- Pinellas, Orange – 52 percent
- Citrus, Leon – 51 percent
The Florida
Department of Environmental Protection launched the Recycling Recognition
Program to heighten awareness and to help achieve the statewide 75 percent
recycling goal by 2020, set by the Florida Legislature. DEP’s innovative
program showcases businesses, schools and organizations that are making
recycling “business as usual” in the workplace. From small businesses to large
manufacturers, organizations around the state are being honored as outstanding
environmental stewards. The department has an easy-to-use tool to track, compare and report your
recycling efforts. Through the website, track your efforts and produce reports
on how those efforts help shrink your carbon footprint. For more information or
to apply for the recognition, contact Henry Garrigo at 850-245-8822 or email Recycling@dep.state.fl.us.
To help develop a
robust recycling industry, DEP’s Recycling Business Assistance Center (RBAC)
nurtures markets for recyclable materials by providing helpful information
about financing options, recycling markets and general business support. RBAC
provides technical assistance and resources to current and potential businesses
in the recycling market at all levels of the supply chain.
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