By KEYNA CORY
For the past several years, the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation has proudly presented the Recycling Champion Awards, recognizing outstanding recycling and sustainability programs led by Florida’s top businesses, local governments, and non-profit organizations.
These awards highlight companies, organizations, governmental entities, and individuals who have made a significant impact on recycling and sustainability across the state. Nominations, including self-nominations, are encouraged and welcomed.
The Recycling Champion Awards spotlight innovative and impactful programs in areas such as:
- Waste reduction
- Water reuse
- Energy efficiency
- Environmental stewardship
- Recycling infrastructure and market development
Highlights from Last Year’s Winners
- Collier County’s Preserve Our Paradise: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle — A community campaign focused on protecting the natural beauty of Collier County through sustainable waste management practices.
- Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Closed Loop Recycling Value Assessment — A groundbreaking partnership with Circular Solution Advisers and leading institutions, sports teams, and zoos to divert waste from landfills and build a circular economy.
- Desert Wireless Recycling, Inc. — Since 2006, this program has recycled, repurposed, and reused more than 500 tons (4.5 million pieces) of electronic waste, keeping hazardous materials out of Florida’s landfills and waterways.
- Goodwill Suncoast and Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management — A partnership allowing residents to donate items through Goodwill Suncoast at select county collection centers, expanding reuse opportunities and conserving resources.
- University of South Florida Stavros Center Sustainability Superheroes Program — An educational initiative empowering K-12 teachers to help students tackle real-world sustainability issues through entrepreneurial thinking.
Judging & How to Apply
Judging will be conducted by faculty and students at Florida Polytechnic University. If you are interested in learning more about how you or your organization can become a Recycling Champion, visit www.flrecycling.org.
Award recipients will be notified in early October, with presentations scheduled for the Florida Recycles Day event on Nov. 13.
Keyna Cory is the Executive Director of the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation
