TALLAHASSEE- The most significant recycling legislation in more than a decade became law on July 1st.  Co-authored by Representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, HB 7243 sets up the Recycling Business Assistance Center to help build markets for recycled goods and other materials and achieve Florida’s 75% recycling goal by the year 2020.

The legislation was the top priority of the Sierra Club and many business organizations. “I was able to help balance the various interests and foster collaboration to make sure this legislation became law,” said Rehwinkel Vasilinda. “I am grateful to Sen. Lee Constantine (R-Altamonte Springs), Rep. Trudi Williams (R-Fort Myers) and Rep. Baxter Troutman (R-Winter Haven) for working with me on this important piece of legislation.”

According to Florida’s Sierra Club representative David Cullen, the legislation is a positive step forward.  “While we did not get everything we wanted, we do feel HB 7243 is a significant step forward,” Cullen said.  “We are pleased to see the establishment of Recycling Business Assistance Center that will help develop the market for collected recyclable materials so they can be incorporated into new products.”

As a key component of the bill, the Recycling Business Assistance Center will coordinate between state agencies and the private sector on the policy and overall strategic planning for developing new markets and expanding and enhancing existing markets for recyclable materials in this state, other states, and foreign countries. 

The bill also strengthens provisions that require state agencies, K-12 public schools, public institutions or higher learning, community colleges and state universities, including all buildings that are occupied by municipal, county and state employees and entities and managed by the Florida Department of Management Services, to report recycling rates to their respective county.  It also creates a pilot program for the Capitol recycling area which would require all buildings within the Capitol complex to report recycling rates to Leon County, to post these rates on DEP’s website.

“At a time when the world is looking at Florida tackle one of the worst oil spills in history, it is important that we make a paradigm shift and increase our energy conservation efforts,” said Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda.  “This is just one more piece of the puzzle toward energy independence. Recycling uses just ten percent of the fuel that’s required to produce the original product. This will also keep marketable materials out of our landfills and extend their life, saving cities and counties money.”

Jessica Shearon, an environmental activist who also helped work on the bill and is a member of Sustainable Tallahassee Recycling Committee has witnessed successful recycling and reuse methods during her travels to Europe and South America.   “If other countries can achieve an organized and effective recycling structure, why can’t we?” she said.  “I am thankful for the opportunity to work with Representative Rehwinkel Vasilinda and it is exciting to see her active stance on Environmental issues.”

Other key aspects of the bill include:

• Modification of the state’s procurement system creating environmentally preferable purchasing practices for recycled, durable and less toxic goods.   
• Implementation of county programs for recycling construction and demolition debris.
• Provision of adequate space and receptacles for recycling by tenants and owners of new commercial and residential properties issued a certificate of occupancy as of July 1, 2012.
• Regular reporting by the Dept. of Environmental Protection to the Florida Legislature on the state’s progress toward meeting its 75% recycling goal.
• Encouraging local governments to compost yard trash and separate all plastics, metal and all grades of paper for recycling prior to final disposal.
• Establish a grant program for small counties with populations less than 100,000 residents for solid waste management, litter prevention and control, and recycling and education programs.

“Florida has talked about recycling for more than 30 years. Great strides have been made by cities and counties in curbside recycling, but curbside is just the tip of the iceberg. Helping businesses find profitable uses for recycled material is the ultimate answer to reducing energy consumption and the never ending need for more landfills,” said Rehwinkel Vasilinda.