INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — 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:
Pinellas – 89 percent
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 individuals’ recycling efforts. Through the website, users can track efforts and produce reports on how those efforts help shrink a person’s 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.