SWFL counties have the highest recycling rates in the state.
A new recyclable focus has been placed on Southwest Florida.
Charlotte, Collier, and Lee counties all ranked among the top five in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s data on the counties with the greatest recycling rates.
Here are some conclusions to draw from the data and some things locals may do to keep the area on course, according to an article by Samantha Neely of Naples Daily News
Comparing Southwest Florida to other counties, where did it stand?
At 80%, Southwest Florida missed out on the top spot, but it did take the following spots:
78% in Collier County
76% in Charlotte County
72% in Lee County
Only three Florida counties, including Collier and Charlotte, exceeded the 75% threshold imposed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
According to the FDEP, Collier County recycled almost 1.3 million tons of the 1.7 million tons of garbage that was gathered in 2022. The county has now achieved the state objective twice, which is an improvement of three percentage points over the prior year.
Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Director Kari Hodgson stated that “our exceptional recycling rate is possible because of our residents, visitors, and businesses who are dedicated to recycling and preserving our paradise every day.” “Each individual’s involvement matters.”
Which Florida county had the highest recycling rate?
With an 80% recycling rate, Palm Beach County in south Florida claimed first place in the entire state.
What is meant by a “recycling rate”?
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the recycling rate is a metric used to assess the proportion of diverted trash that is recyclable.
Top ten recycling counties in Florida:
Palm Beach County
Collier County
Charlotte County
Lee County
Sumter County
Pinellas County
Baker County
Hillsborough County
Alachua County
Bradford County
Top 10 Florida counties with the worst recycling rates:
Dixie County – 1%
Glades County – 3%
Hardee County – 6%
Franklin County – 7%
Walton County – 7%
Levy County – 7%
Jefferson County – 9%
Bay County – 9%
Calhoun County – 9%
Washington County – 10%
The original article can be found on Naples Daily News