WDBO Local News

Crowd overflows for state hearing on recycling

Not everyone could fit inside the Orlando City Hall chambers for the only public hearing outside of Tallahassee for a comprehensive state program to boost recycling in Florida.

Speakers came from as far away as Miami to share their thoughts on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's proposal to increase recycling of garbage to 75 percent through various means, including a deposit on bottles and rewards to households who recycle a lot.

The Sierra Club had several speakers who praised the efforts to improve Florida's standing on this environmental issue.

Beth Connor of St. Petersburg said "plastic is a nightmare." She said Floridians are tired of going snorkeling, only to find discarded plastic garbage in the sea and also along our beaches.

The Four R's - reading, 'riting, 'rithmetic and recycling

DEP proposes also to have recycling taught in public schools and speakers supported that idea.

However, a representative with the Associated Industries of Florida said recycling has to be cost effective and a so-called trash tax would only go to a trust fund which state lawmakers have raided in the past for other needs.

The business group also questioned where the 75% figure came from, saying it was "plucked out of air."

One proposal is for a "bottle bill," but it was pointed out that Delaware is considering eliminating it, because of the cost of administering the program.

Private engineer Jim Andrews of Pinellas County said simply colelcting and sorting recyclables doesn't accomplish anything if there's no market to reuse them.

"There's a dire need for the development of markets," he said

Legislative approval is pending

The state legislature has given preliminary approval to this plan and is expected to decide on final approval in the next session.

State Representative Lee Constantine of Altamonte Springs, Chair of the Environmental, Preservation and Conservation Committee, is a supporter.

http://wdbo.com/localnews/2009/08/crowd-overflows-for-state-hear.html