Florida State University has become the first university in the state to receive an award from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Recycling Recognition Program.
In 2012, FSU diverted 48 percent of campus waste from the landfill by recycling 2,650 tons of material. The university reached this recycling rate through a comprehensive campus sustainability program that includes indoor recycling as well as yard waste diversion.
Willie Wiggins, supervisor at FSU’s Solid Waste & Recycling Center and FSU Campus Sustainability Associate Trey Gowdy accepted the award at the Florida Capitol Nov. 5 on Florida Recycles Day.
The state Department of Environmental Protection developed the Recycling Recognition Program in 2012 to highlight the recycling efforts of various commercial entities that are leading the way to Florida’s recycling goal of 75 percent. Any company, institution, governmental entity, non-profit or other organization that can document a recycling rate of 40 percent or more is eligible for the program. Recycling rates are documented on the department’s online Recycling Tracking Tool.
Florida State is the first university to join the Recycling Recognition Program.
“Investing in recycling is good for business and for Florida’s environment,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “I am honored to recognize Florida State University for its outstanding recycling efforts and for the good environmental stewards they have been in our state.”
In 2008, the Florida Legislature established a new statewide recycling goal of 75 percent to be achieved by 2020. According to the Department of Environmental Protection,the statewide recycling rate was 48 percent in 2012.
From left, Trey Gowdy, Elizabeth Swiman, Secretary Herschel Vinyard and Willie Wiggins are seen at Florida Recycles Day.