Recycling

The Florida Legislature established the Energy, Climate Change and Economic Security Act of 2008 to include a statewide weight-based recycling goal of 75% by 2020.  There is no provision in the statute for the goal to sunset after 2020.

The act directed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a reporting protocol for counties to report annually. The legislature established interim recycling goals: 40% by 2012; 50% by 2014; 60% by 2016; and 70% by 2018. DEP successfully established an annual reporting protocol for counties. Additionally, Florida achieved the interim goals established for 2012 and 2014. Florida achieved the interim goals established for 2012 and 2014; however, the state did not meet the 2016 interim goal of 60% and the recycling rate has continued to hold steady at just below 50%.

The department has suggested ways to increase recycling in Florida, as recommended in the 2016, 2018 and 2020 reports. These include options for focusing on markets, construction and demolition debris recycling, organics recycling, commercial recycling, and education and outreach. 

DEP continues to work with local governments and the recycling industry of Florida to implement critical programs and changes to improve recycling. Through partnerships with Florida recycling stakeholders, the department has a unique opportunity to transform Florida recycling from an aspirational goal into a program that incorporates source reduction, diversion of waste, recycling, and consideration of the full environmental impact of materials used from cradle to grave. The Recycling Program is exploring food waste diversion, market development research and engagement, education and outreach and collection and evaluation of solid waste and recycling data. 

We can all contribute by recycling as much as possible at or away from home. Contact your county recycling coordinators to see how you, your family, your business or your organization can help.

Upcoming Events

• America Recycles Day - Nov. 15, 2024.

Organics Recycling in Florida

• F.O.R.C.E. (Florida Organics Recycling Center for Excellence) website.
• Composting/Separated Organics Processing Facilities (SOPF).
• 2020 Food Donation Report.
• Florida Food Waste Prevention Week.
• Florida Composting Council.

Reports to the Legislature

• 2022 Update of Retail Bags Report - January 2022.
• Florida and the 2020 75% Recycling Goal, Final Report – December 2021.
• Florida and the 2020 75% Recycling Goal Update - December 2019.
• Florida and the 2020 75% Recycling Goal Update - Appendices.
• Florida and the 2020 75% Recycling Goal Update Cover Letter - December 2019.
• Florida and the 2020 75% Recycling Goal - December 2017.
• Florida and the 2020 75% Recycling Goal - Appendices.

Annual Solid Waste Reports

• 2023 Solid Waste Management Annual Report.
• 2022 Solid Waste Management Annual Report.
• 2021 Solid Waste Management Annual Report.
• 2020 Solid Waste Management Annual Report.
• 2019 Solid Waste Management Annual Report.
• 2018 Solid Waste Management Annual Report.
• 2017 Solid Waste Management Annual Report.
• 2016 Solid Waste Management Annual Report.
• 2015 Solid Waste Management Annual Report.
• 2014 Solid Waste Management Annual Report.
• 2013 Solid Waste Management Annual Report.
• 2012 Solid Waste Management Annual Report.
• 2011 Solid Waste Management Annual Report.

Solid Waste Annual Report Archives

• 1999 - 2010.

Waste Composition Models

• WasteCalc.

Waste Characterization Studies

Public Sector Recycling Reports

• 2023 Public Sector Recycling Report.
• 2022 Public Sector Recycling Report.
• 2021 Public Sector Recycling Report.
• 2020 Public Sector Recycling Report.
• 2019 Public Sector Recycling Report.
• 2018 Public Sector Recycling Report.
• 2017 Public Sector Recycling Report.

Statewide Education and Outreach Programs

• Take Charge Florida. 
• Guardians of the Environment Recycling Curriculum.
• Kid Zone.
• Florida Recycles website.

Florida Recycling Statutes and Rules

Webinar Series

Past Webinars

• County Recycling Coordinator Training - February 2020.
• Recycling in Florida: 2020 and Beyond Webinar Series - Part 1: Effective Recycling Messaging - December 2019.
• Contracting for Recycling Professionals - January 2019.
• Increasing Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling - November 2016.
• Recycling Education: Part 2 "Make Recycling Your Business" - October 2016.
• Recycling Education: Part 1 "It Begins with the Bin" – September 2016.
• Organics in Florida: Part 2 "Organics Materials Management – Pathways for Success" - June 2016.
• Organics in Florida: Part 1 "The State of Organics in Florida" - May 2016.
• Challenges and Solutions for Recycling Electronics in Florida – February 2016.
• Single Stream Recycling Contamination - December 2015.

Quick Topics

• 75% Recycling Goal.
• Greening Florida Government.
• The Recycling Recognition Program.
  This program was developed to encourage the commercial industry, schools, public groups and residents to increase recycling to reach Florida’s recycling goal of 75% by 2020.
  • Florida DEP Business Recycling Tracking Tool.
  • Solid Waste Management in Florida.
  • Florida Residential Mixed Paper Report.
  • Waste Characterization Studies. 
• Learn about how much solid waste our state produces, county recycling rates and reports and surveys on solid waste management in Florida.
• Chapter 62-716, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), Rulemaking.
  These proposed amendments would delete obsolete references to grants that no longer exist. It would also add policies about reporting recycling from private businesses, public sector entities and counties.
• Construction and Demolition Recycling Resources and Reporting Requirements.
  Tools and resources for the proper management, recycling and disposal of materials from Construction and Demolition projects as well as permitted facility reporting requirements.
• Recovered Materials Information.
  Certification and reporting information for businesses dealing with over 600 tons per year of any recovered material (paper, glass, plastic, metals/aluminum textiles and/or non-tire rubber).
• Recycling Business Assistance Center. 
  Assist in the development of markets for recyclable materials and help recycling businesses at all levels of the supply chain.
• Grants and Loans.
  The Florida Recycling Loan Program was created to provide revenues for the purpose of expanding recycling capacity in Florida.
  The Florida Innovative Grants program was designed to establish innovative programs related to recycling. During the 2010 session, the Legislature passed House Bill 7243 which, in part, eliminated the Innovative Grant Program.
• Public Sector Recycling Reporting.
  State law requires that state agencies, public institutions of higher learning, community colleges, state universities, buildings that are occupied by municipal, county or state employees and public or private entities that occupy a building managed by the Florida Department of Management Services annually report all recycled materials.

Recycling in Florida

• Frequently Asked Questions.
• Recycling Education Resources for Kids and Teachers.
• Commercial and Institutional Recycling.
• University Recycling.
• Recycling Information and Services (e.g., printer, toner and automobile recycling).
• Recycling in My Community.

Recycling Resources

• Contacts.
  Questions about local programs or other information about your county? Call your County Recycling Coordinator or visit their website.
• Rethink.Reset.Recycle.
  Digital and printable resources (i.e. web banner, fact sheet, infographic and more) – to help recycling coordinators and green teams promote recycling.
• Recycling Publications.
• Additional Resources.