 SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County Solid Waste was named Program of the Year by Resource Recycling, Inc. The Resource Recycling Conference Program of the Year Awards highlights cities and counties taking innovative steps to recover more materials, engage with residents on sustainability, demonstrate excellence in program measurement, and make critical progress in other ways. “It is an honor to have the team recognized for the incredible work put into our recycling programs in Sarasota County,” said Brian Usher, Sarasota County Solid Waste Director. “This is also a testament to our community members, who realize the importance of recycling and actively participate in our collection program.” The announcement was made in August and Sarasota County’s Solid Waste department was formally recognized at the 2023 Resource Recycling Conference held in Orlando Aug. 14-16. Sarasota County won in the Large Community category based on a nomination submitted by partners at The Recycling Partnership. According to Resource Recycling, Inc., the selection team was impressed by the efforts in the county to track materials recovery data and engage with residents on education. Sarasota County collected 767,853 tons of recyclables in 2020. A 2022 study conducted by Sarasota County and The Recycling Partnership showed a recycling participation rate in the sample area at 94%. The county’s overall capture rate, the percent of total recyclable materials of a given type that are actually separated from garbage and recycled, is 62%, well above the national average of 55%. The county started mandatory recycling following a 1991 voter referendum. More information on Sarasota County’s recycling program, visit scgov.net or dial 311. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA compliance). |