South Pinellas Recycling Rates Soar
Gulfport Has High Recycling Rate, But Room to Improve A 2019 National Geographic article states 91% of plastic worldwide isn’t recycled, which accounts for the tremendous amount of waste generated by modern society. We see horrors such as wildlife dying from eating plastic, and The Great Pacific Garbage Patch floating between Hawai’i and California that covers an estimated 1.6 million square kilometers—roughly three times the size of France. In November, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Recycling Partnership celebrated Florida Recycles Week, recognizing some “Heroes,” such as Northrup Grumman. The corporation recycles packing materials and other manufacturing goods …all well and good for giant corporations. DEP Deputy Secretary John Truitt also acknowledged Pinellas County for achieving the 75% recycling goal in 2020, with 78%, along with Charlotte (78%) and Lee (74%}. But what advice do the experts have for average folks to help this effort? Let’s see.
CATHY SALUSTRI
By Nano Riley
Gulfportians have a 70% recycling rate.
So, here’s the latest info from the local sanitation experts in Gulfport and St. Petersburg, where optional curbside recycling is available to households for about $3 monthly.
It’s Tricky Business Gulfport is Unique Skeptics and dedicated recyclers have heated debates on social media about recycling: Is it worth the trouble? Naysayers holler there’s no point because it all goes to the dump, true believers maintain recycling works when done properly, according to the rules. Yes, there are rules.
In Gulfport, recycling is done well, and 70% of residents participate in the program, according to Tom Nicholls, the city’s public works director. “We have a unique program here in Gulfport,” said Nicholls. “We require participants to separate their
recyclables into two containers…a blue one for metal and plastic, and green for paper and cardboard. Because of this separation, Gulfport has the lowest contamination rate (of recyclables) in the county,” he said. But no plastic bags…they go straight to the landfill.” Nicholls explained the flimsy bags often catch in sorting equip-
PVC FENCE PANELS CLEANED FROM $11 A PANEL
free quote & DEMO (727) 360-7070 10
theGabber.com | December 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022
