By KEYNA CORY
America Recycles Day Offers a Reminder — and Florida Recycles Day Looks Ahead
America Recycles Day, on Nov. 15, is an opportunity to consider two important questions: Why should we recycle, and how can we recycle right?
Recycling conserves natural resources, keeps valuable materials in use, and supports jobs in collection, processing and manufacturing. Its success depends on everyday decisions made in homes, businesses and public spaces. Putting the right materials in the recycling bin helps reduce contamination and improves the quality of materials available to make new products.
Recycling right starts with knowing what your local program accepts. Guidelines can vary, so check with your local government or recycling provider rather than assuming every item with a recycling symbol belongs in your bin. Empty accepted bottles and containers, keep food and liquids out and follow local instructions about keeping recyclables loose. Plastic bags, batteries and other items requiring separate collection should stay out of curbside recycling bins. When uncertain, look up the item before tossing it in.
As recycling systems evolve, education, technology, and partnerships are opening new opportunities. To explore these changes, the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) will host Florida Recycles Day on Nov. 18 at the University of Florida TREEO Center in Gainesville.
The program will bring together experts to discuss four key areas:
Smart Recycling Technology: Moderated by Liz DeWitt of the Florida Beverage Association, this session features Alita Kane of The Recycling Partnership and Nick Ciancio of Miami-Dade County’s Department of Solid Waste Management. They will discuss emerging tools and real-world applications that help communities increase participation, improve collection efficiency, and reduce contamination.
Recycling Away From Home Report Update: FDEP’s Karen Moore will moderate a presentation by Hannah Sackles, a University of Florida graduate research assistant. The session will explore findings from the study on tourism and visitor activity, including opportunities to improve recycling in public spaces, hospitality venues, destination areas and Florida State Parks.
Recycling in Sports Venues: Advancing Sustainability Through Partnerships: John Mitchell of Coca-Cola Beverages Florida will moderate a discussion featuring Laura Sivels of WM and Christian Bruey of PureCycle. Brazo Barber of PGA Sustainability has also been invited. Topics include recycling partnerships, fan engagement and the challenges of managing materials at large sporting events.
Industry Innovations & Sustainability Initiatives: Dan Penn of Publix and Patrick Krieger of the Plastics Industry Association will share perspectives on projects, packaging initiatives and collaborative approaches helping shape the future of recycling.
America Recycles Day reminds us that individual actions matter. Florida Recycles Day provides an opportunity to learn how those actions connect with broader efforts to strengthen recycling across our state.
For information and registration, visit www.flrecycling.org.
Keyna Cory is the Executive Director of the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation, a coalition of top Florida businesses and associations with the mission to educate policymakers, business leaders and the public about the benefits of recycling and how to recycle right.
