August 2025
Message from the Chair
Dear Friends and Partners,
Thank you for being a vital part of the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation. Your continued support and shared commitment to sustainability are driving real change across our state.
It was a pleasure to connect during our recent board meeting at Goodwill Manasota—what an inspiring setting for thoughtful discussion and bold ideas. These gatherings always remind me that our strength lies in collaboration. Together, we’re not only measuring progress—we’re creating it.
As we move forward, I’m thrilled to highlight two exciting opportunities for engagement:
Florida Recycles Day is back on November 13th, in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This day is more than a celebration—it’s a chance to amplify our message, reach new communities, and champion recycling in every corner of Florida.
As of August 1st, nominations open for our Recycling Champion Awards. Let’s recognize the individuals and organizations that are leading the way in recycling and sustainability. I encourage you to spotlight the innovators and advocates making a difference in your communities.
To every board member and partner: thank you for your leadership, vision, and passion. It’s your energy that fuels our mission and brings our initiatives to life. By working together, we are building a more resilient and sustainable future for Florida.
Here’s to continuing the momentum—and to all the possibilities ahead
With appreciation,
Donn Githens
Chair, Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation
2025 Recycling Champion Award Nominations Open
The Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation (FRPF) is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Recycling Champions Awards. These awards recognize companies, organizations, governmental entities, and individuals who have significantly contributed to recycling and sustainability efforts across Florida.
The Recycling Champions Awards spotlight innovative and impactful programs in the areas of waste reduction, water reuse, energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, and recycling infrastructure and market development. Nominations, including self-nominations, are encouraged and welcomed.
Applications are available on the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation website at www.flrecycling.org. The deadline for submission is September 5, 2025.
Award recipients will be notified in early October, with presentations scheduled for the Florida Recycles Day event on November 13, 2025.
Fee is $125 for profit organizations and $75 for not-for-profits. We have a limited number of scholarships available for small non-profits. Contact Keyna Cory for more information – keyna@flrecycling.org
Past award winners include Abigail Wright Chamberlin Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Anheuser-Busch, Brightmark, City of Orlando, City of Coral Springs, Collier County, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, Desert Wireless Recycling, DAR Pro, Dream in Green, Exploria Stadium, Florida Power & Light, Florida State University, Goodwill Suncoast-Hillsborough County, Green Works Orlando, Keep Brevard Beautiful, Keep Coral Gables Beautiful, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, League of Women Voters of Orange County/Orange County, City of Orlando for their Intergovernmental Waste Reduction Program National Storm Water Trust – Port of Tampa Bay, NuCycle Energy, Publix, Rehrig-Pacific, Resource Depot, Sarasota County, Tampa International Airport, Universal Studios, and the USF Stavros Center.
Follow this link to Apply Today
Florida Recycles Day – November 13 at the Florida Polytechnic University
Hosted by Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Join industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates for a full day of information sharing and networking focused on advancing recycling and sustainability in Florida. Hear the latest findings from the Capacity Study and the Away From Home Recycling Study, learn about safe battery disposal solutions, and explore innovative food waste pilot programs by Publix and others. WM will present its new initiatives designed to enhance recycling efficiency and sustainability. Discover how Goodwill is partnering with organizations such as The Breakers and Norwegian Cruise Lines to upcycle materials and divert items from landfills.
The day will also celebrate excellence in recycling as the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation presents the 2025 Recycling Champion Awards and FDEP recognizes leaders through the Recycling Recognition Awards.
at OCPS. “This grant will allow us to bring recycling into cafeterias, capture more plastic bottles and get closer to our goal of diverting 75% of our solid waste from landfill by 2030.”
Cans, Bottles, and Hours Are Brightening Futures –
Learn more about Trish Trash and other “Away From Home Recycling” programs during the 2025 Florida Recycles Day scheduled for Thursday, November 13.
Member News
As environmental issues remain a priority in Florida, the state’s beverage industry is taking proactive and collaborative action to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling. Through our Every Bottle Back initiative, the Florida Beverage Association (FBA), alongside national partners and local communities, is taking a leadership role in creating a more sustainable future.
Led by The Coca-Cola Company, Keurig Dr Pepper, and PepsiCo, and supported by environmental leaders like World WildlifeFund, Closed Loop Partners, and The Recycling Partnership, Every Bottle Back is more than just a campaign— it’s a commitment to reshape the lifecycle of beverage containers and show the value of a circular economy.
WM opens 12 Recycling Facilities in 2024
In its 2025 sustainability report, the company says it is on track to invest more than $3 billion in strengthening its recycling and RNG infrastructure from 2022 through 2026.
