Are you new to the world of online discussion groups? Lots of folks are, so this information is provided as a quick user’s guide to help you get started. If you have questions on the 75% Recycling Goal, contact us at recycling.goal@dep.state.fl.us. If you have questions on the Retail Bags Report, contact us at retail.bags@dep.state.fl.us. Please include your name, email address and telephone number. You can also find more detailed information in the FAQ section located on the navigation bar.

By the year 2020, the long-term goal for the recycling efforts of state and local governmental entities, private companies and organizations, and the general public is to reduce the amount of recyclable solid waste disposed of in waste management facilities, landfills, or incineration facilities by a statewide average of at least 75 percent. However, any solid waste used for the production of renewable energy shall count toward the long term recycling goal as set forth in this section.

The Department of Environmental Protection shall develop a comprehensive recycling program that is designed to achieve the percentage under subsection (2) and submit the program to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by January 1, 2010. The program may not be implemented until approved by the Legislature. The program must be developed in coordination with input from state and local entities, private businesses, and the public. Under the program, recyclable materials shall include, but are not limited to, metals, paper, glass, plastic, textile, rubber materials, and mulch.

Programs to identify environmentally preferable purchasing practices to encourage the purchase of recycled, durable, and less toxic goods.

Programs to educate students in grades K-12 in the benefits of, and proper techniques for, recycling.

Programs for statewide recognition of successful recycling efforts by schools, businesses, public groups, and private citizens.

Programs for municipalities and counties to develop and implement efficient recycling efforts to return valuable materials to productive use, conserve energy, and protect natural resources.

Programs by which the department can provide technical assistance to municipalities and counties in support of their recycling efforts.

Programs to educate and train the public in proper recycling efforts.

Evaluation of how financial assistance can best be provided to municipalities and counties in support of their recycling efforts.

Evaluation of why existing waste management and recycling programs in the state have not been better used.

The Legislature finds that prudent regulation of recyclable materials is crucial to the ongoing welfare of Florida's ecology and economy. As such, the Department of Environmental Protection shall undertake an analysis of the need for new or different regulation of auxiliary containers, wrappings, or disposable plastic bags used by consumers to carry products from retail establishments. The analysis shall include input from state and local government agencies, stakeholders, private businesses, and citizens, and shall evaluate the efficacy and necessity of both statewide and local regulation of these materials. To ensure consistent and effective implementation, the department shall submit a report with conclusions and recommendations to the Legislature no later than February 1, 2010. Until such time that the Legislature adopts the recommendations of the department, no local government, local governmental agency, or state government agency may enact any rule, regulation, or ordinance regarding use, disposition, sale, prohibition, restriction, or tax of such auxiliary containers, wrappings, or disposable plastic bags.