By KEYNA CORY
Each year, the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection host Florida Recycles Day to shine a spotlight on the importance of recycling and its profound impact on both our economy and environment. The 2024 event will be held on Friday, Nov. 15 at the Patel College for Global Sustainability at the University of South Florida.
As we come together to recognize this initiative, it’s essential to understand why recycling matters and how it can drive positive change in our state.
Recycling is not just an environmental necessity; it’s also a significant economic driver. In Florida, the recycling industry supports thousands of jobs and generates millions in revenue.
EPA released significant findings on the economic benefits of the recycling industry with an update to the national Recycling Economic Information (REI) Study in 2020. This study analyzes the numbers of jobs, wages and tax revenues attributed to recycling. The study found that in a single year, recycling and reuse activities in the United States accounted for:
- 681,000 jobs
- $37.8 billion in wages
- $5.5 billion in tax revenues
This equates to 1.17 jobs per 1,000 tons of materials recycled and $65.23 in wages and $9.42 in tax revenue for every ton of materials recycled. For more information, check out the full report.
By diverting waste from landfills, we not only reduce disposal costs but also create a market for recyclable materials, which can lead to innovation and new business opportunities.
Moreover, the recycling sector promotes local manufacturing. Recycled materials can often be transformed into new products right here in Florida, which bolsters the local economy. Anheuser-Busch announced plans to invest $170 million in an expansion project at its Metal Container Corporation (MCC) facility in Jacksonville.
As part of the company’s plan to increase production of the popular Budweiser and Bud Light aluminum bottles, this project will create approximately 75 new jobs at the facility. MCC produces cans and lids for Anheuser-Busch products as well as major U.S. soft drink companies, including PepsiCo. and Monster Beverage Corporation. By investing in recycling infrastructure, Florida can enhance its economic resilience, reduce reliance on imported materials, and support sustainable job creation.
The environmental advantages of recycling are equally compelling. Recycling conserves natural resources by reducing the need for raw materials. For example, recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy required to produce new aluminum from bauxite ore. This energy savings translates into lower greenhouse gas emissions, helping combat climate change.
Each ton (2,000 pounds) of recycled paper can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4,000 kilowatts of energy, and 7,000 gallons of water. This represents a 64 percent energy savings, a 58 percent water savings, and 60 pounds less of air pollution.
In addition, recycling reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills. Florida’s landfills are rapidly reaching capacity, and managing waste is becoming increasingly challenging. By promoting recycling, we can prolong the life of our landfills, mitigate land use concerns, and minimize the environmental impact associated with waste disposal.
Florida Recycles Day also emphasizes the importance of community involvement and education. It serves as a reminder that everyone can play a role in creating a more sustainable future. Local governments, businesses, and residents can collaborate to enhance recycling efforts and promote responsible waste management practices. Many of them will be participating in our Florida Recycles Day in November!
Educational campaigns can help raise awareness about what can be recycled, how to do it correctly, and the benefits of reducing waste. By fostering a culture of sustainability, we empower individuals to make informed decisions that positively impact our environment and economy.
As we celebrate Florida Recycles Day, let’s commit to making recycling a priority in our daily lives. The benefits to our economy and environment are clear: recycling creates jobs, conserves resources, and reduces negative environmental impacts. Together, we can ensure that Florida leads the way in sustainability, creating a brighter future for generations to come.
By embracing recycling, we not only protect our beautiful state but also build a more resilient and prosperous economy. Let’s act today and make Florida a shining example of what can be achieved when we prioritize recycling and sustainability.
Keyna Cory is the Executive Director for the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation
