FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 15, 2019
DEP Celebrates Florida Recycles Day
~DEP DeputySecretary John Truitt presents Recycling Recognition Awards~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Yesterday, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection joined the Florida Recycling Partnership and other stakeholders to celebrate Florida Recycles Week with a press conference and educational displays at the Florida Capitol.
DEP Deputy Secretary John Truitt presented a Recycling Recognition Award to Tervis, recognizing the company’s 83.72 percent recycling rate, outstanding reuse efforts, and commitment to Florida's environment and recycling goals. Tervis, located in North Venice, has been making sustainable drinkware since 1946.
Additionally, with an 83.26 percent recycling rate, Northrop Grumman was recognized for the fourth year in a row and Senator Debbie Mayfield accepted the award on their behalf.
"The department is proud to join the Florida Recycling Partnership to recognize the importance of recycling and celebrate the many organizations and industries that are helping Florida work toward our recycling goal," said Secretary Noah Valenstein. "We’re honored to recognize these organizations with Recycling Recognition Awards for their innovation and commitment in protecting Florida’s environment."
“Florida Recycles Day at the Capitol is our signature event,” said Keyna Cory, executive director for the Florida Recycling Partnership. "With great partners like Waste Management, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Beverage Association, we have been able to continue our mission to educate policymakers, business leaders and the public about the benefits of recycling.”
“Tervis takes our responsibility to the environment very seriously," said Tervis CFO Hosana Fieber. "We are committed to eliminating the need of single-use plastic by manufacturing reusable quality products. We recycle returned materials through our 'made for life program' into other useful forms, such as park benches, that will be enjoyed for years in our community. By 2022, Tervis operations will be zero-waste.”
In 2018, in partnership with the American Chemistry Council’s Flexible Film Recycling Group, DEP announced the formation of a public-private partnership, the Wrap Action Recycling Program (WRAP), designed to increase opportunities for recycling plastic wraps, bags and film. The WRAP partnership also includes Publix Super Markets and additional retailers, municipalities, the Florida Recycling Partnership, Waste Management Inc. of Florida, and recycling processors and haulers. The initiative aims to build greater public awareness and participation in plastic film packaging recycling at grocery stores and other retail locations, as well as reduce the amount of film packaging inappropriately placed in curbside recycling bins.
DEP's Recycling Program encourages residents and industry to protect Florida's environment by promoting sustainability and waste reduction, providing public outreach and education to avoid contamination, encouraging proper disposal practices, forming partnerships with community groups and stakeholders, and recognizing top recyclers for their environmental stewardship and innovative efforts through DEP's Recycling Recognition Program.
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