Recycling programs across Florida are influenced by a range of drivers, including political influences, social expectations, and economic realities. From a political perspective, governments play a crucial role by enacting legislation, setting recycling goals, and providing grant funding to support recycling programs. In 2008, Florida enacted legislation declaring a goal of 75% recycling by the year 2020. While we are past this date, city municipalities and county governments across the state are still tracking recycling rates and striving for the 75% goal.

From a social perspective, public awareness and attitudes are key. Stakeholders such as local communities, businesses, and non-governmental organizations can influence the success of recycling programs through education and collaboration. The involvement of these various groups ensures a more sustainable and effective approach to recycling by aligning environmental goals with economic and social priorities.

Economic factors play a major role in recycling efforts. Florida cities and counties are increasingly canceling recycling programs due to a combination of financial and operational challenges. One of the primary reasons is the rising cost of recycling, which has made it economically unfeasible for some local governments to maintain these programs. Additionally, staffing shortages and difficulty in finding qualified workers have strained local waste management systems, further complicating recycling efforts. Changes in contractors and rising service costs also contribute to the cancellation of programs, as municipalities face higher fees or less favorable terms. Finally, the cost of maintaining and upgrading recycling equipment, along with limited funding, makes it harder for cities and counties to invest in sustainable recycling infrastructure. Together, these factors have led to many municipalities scaling back or abandoning recycling programs altogether.

Contamination

Contamination in recycling streams is another significant issue. When non-recyclable materials are mixed into our recycling bins, it can lead to higher processing costs and lower efficiency, making it less profitable to recycle. Recycling contamination is a concern for most recycling programs. When non-recyclable items are mixed with recyclables, it increases sorting costs, contaminates recyclable materials, and often leads to entire batches of recyclables being sent to landfills. This contamination not only complicates the recycling process, but also discourages recycling participation. We all seem to have a friend or neighbor who says, “I don’t bother recycling, it just ends up in the landfill anyway.” As contamination rates rise, some municipalities are being forced to reconsider or abandon their recycling programs.

Waste to energy as a solution

One solution on the rise across Florida is waste-to-energy (WTE) technology. Several examples of counties implementing WTE technology occurs in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Palm Beach counties. In Pinellas County, the Pinellas Energy Recovery Facility processes waste to generate power for local homes and businesses, helping to manage waste while reducing reliance on landfills. Hillsborough County operates the Southeast Renewable Energy Facility, which also converts waste into electricity, providing a solution to waste disposal and contributing to the county’s energy needs. Palm Beach County utilizes the Waste-to-Energy Plant in West Palm Beach, where solid waste is burned to produce steam, which in turn drives turbines to generate power. These facilities not only address waste disposal challenges, but also offer an alternative to regions of the state experiencing the challenges of recycling programs.

Waste-to-Energy (WTE) technology is a subject of debate, and while it has its advantages, such as reducing landfill waste and generating energy, it also faces criticism. Some of the key issues with WTE as an alternative to recycling and traditional landfilling include environmental impacts from air pollution, high investment costs to build facilities, and potential to discourage participation in recycling programs.  Leaders need to consider the environmental concerns, economic costs, and its impact on recycling efforts when evaluating WTE as a waste management option.

Landfill gas capture as a solution

Another form of landfill energy is a landfill gas to energy capture facility.  These systems play an integral role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by landfills, while contributing to power generation.  In Sarasota County, the Central County Solid Waste Disposal Complex (CCSWDC) is a gas to energy facility.  It is a partnership between Sarasota County and a private company, Landfill Energy Systems Florida (Archaea Energy). The process involves capturing landfill biogas emissions, in this case methane, and converts it into usable energy.  The energy created “feeds” back into the power grid.  The process allows for up to 4.8 megawatts of electricity, generating enough energy to power 2,800 homes.

Want to learn more?

UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County is providing a series of classes and webinars to educate Florida residents on the entire recycling issue.  By offering educational classes, such as “Recycling in Florida,” “Recycle Right,” and “Reducing Plastics”, we hope to provide residents with essential knowledge on proper recycling practices though out Florida. The “Recycle Right” class focuses on teaching the correct way to sort recyclables, ensuring that more materials can be successfully processed and diverted from landfills. Additionally, the “Reducing Plastics” class encourages participants to take actionable steps toward reducing plastic waste, offering practical solutions for everyday life. Through these programs, UF/IFAS Extension equips the community with tools to make more informed choices, supporting Sarasota County’s broader goals of waste reduction and environmental responsibility.