Recycle Florida Today Recognizes Floridians for Supporting Community Recycling Programs, encourages citizens to join in Earth Day celebrations around the State
Recycle Florida Today (RFT), the state’s premiere recycling organization, is pleased to join with organizations all over the world in celebrating Earth Day on April 22, 2023. Earth Day is a great opportunity to congratulate Floridians who have recycled well over 20 million tons of material according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s 2021 annual report. Materials collected through business and residential recycling programs are packaged locally and sent to be recycled into new products.
Examples of typical materials collected in residential and business recycling programs are:
- Plastic can be recycled into clothing, carpeting, outdoor furniture such as park benches and beach walkways.
- Glass is often used in road paving projects such as glassphalt.
- Aluminum cans. Aluminum beverage cans can be recycled over and over into more cans, avoiding the use of virgin materials.
- Paper such as newsprint and cereal boxes are recycled into additional paper products.
While Florida recycles about half of the municipal solid waste generated each year and exceeds national recycling rates, there is still more work to be done in Florida to meet the state’s 75 percent recycling goal. To support these efforts RFT is leading the way by bringing together experts to examen how we can continue to reduce the amount of materials entering landfills and waste-to-energy facilities.
RFT encourages businesses and residents to learn more about what is being collected in their county and how to participate in local recycling. Together we can reach the state’s recycling goals and keep Florida a great place to live and work.
Many communities are planning Earth Day celebrations with tree planting, tours of recycling facilities and special collection events. Contact your county’s recycling coordinator to find out about upcoming Earth Day events in specific counties or RFT for information.
