Message from the Chair
Thank you for being a vital part of the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation community. It was energizing to come together for our recent board meeting at Goodwill Manasota, where we not only reviewed our progress but also explored new avenues for growth and collaboration. Our shared mission—to advance recycling and sustainable practices across Florida—has never been more important, and it is your commitment that propels us forward.
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to announce that Florida Recycles Day will return on November 13th, once again in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This collaboration amplifies our collective voice and expands the reach of our impact. Together, we’re creating opportunities to educate, engage, and inspire communities throughout the state, helping to make Florida a model for recycling excellence.
We’re also excited to kick off the nomination process for our Recycling Champion Awards, beginning August 1st. This initiative is more than a recognition program—it’s a celebration of the innovative spirit, dedication, and leadership found within our network. We encourage you to nominate those individuals and organizations whose efforts are transforming recycling and sustainability in Florida. Let’s shine a spotlight on the change-makers among us!
As always, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our board members and every member of this foundation. Your leadership, ideas, and enthusiasm are the driving force behind our achievements. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and together, we are building a stronger, greener Florida.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for championing the future of recycling in our great state.
With appreciation,
Donn Githens, Chair
Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation
Welcome to our newest member The Breakers!
At the heart of The Breakers Palm Beach—one of America’s most iconic resorts—is a purpose-driven, family-owned organization guided by a steadfast ‘people-first’ philosophy and a deep-rooted commitment to social impact and environmental stewardship. For more than 129 years, these values have shaped a vibrant culture of care, fueling the company’s enduring success and unwavering dedication to service excellence.
Set on 140 acres of pristine oceanfront, The Breakers exemplifies how timeless luxury can coexist with a profound respect for the natural world. Sustainability is not simply a practice—it’s a founding principle embedded throughout the resort’s operations and long-term vision.
Under the leadership of its family ownership, Board of Directors, and executive team, this independent and entrepreneurial organization continuously advances its eco-friendly strategies. The property implements a wide array of initiatives, prioritizing recycling and waste reduction programs, as well as responsible procurement, energy-efficient technologies and advanced water conservation systems—all thoughtfully designed to minimize the hotel’s ecological footprint while upholding world-class standards.
Beyond these efforts, the resort embraces social impact investing in its 2,400 team members and local communities, while fostering meaningful partnerships that help drive lasting positive change.
Through this integrated approach, The Breakers sets a powerful example of how luxury hospitality can thrive through purpose, innovation, and integrity—enriching lives today while preserving the planet for generations to come.
Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation Board Meeting Summary
The FRPF recently convened its board meeting to discuss key initiatives and events aimed at advancing recycling efforts across the state.
Florida Recycles Day 2025
- Event Date & Venue: Slated for Thursday, November 13, 2025, the event will be hosted at the Florida Poly Tech University.
- Board Highlights:
- Refined the agenda outline for panel discussions, award presentations, and educational seminars.
- Finalized announcements for keynote speakers and sponsors.
- Emphasis on expanding attendance—including local governments, businesses, educators, and community groups.
Recycling Champion Awards Program
- 2024 Champions: Winners such as Collier County, Coca‑Cola Beverages Florida, Desert Wireless Recycling, Goodwill Suncoast & Hillsborough County, and USF Stavros Center were recognized during the November 15, 2024, Florida Recycles Day (floridaspecifier.com).
Next Steps:
- Promotion of awardees’ success stories through webinars and media campaigns.
- Plans underway for a webinar in January 2025, featuring presentations from award winners detailing their impactful programs on community recycling (floridaspecifier.com, recyclefloridatoday.org).
Ongoing & Future Board Initiatives
- Discussed strategic outreach to broaden participation across localities.
- Reviewed nominations process and timeline for the 2025 cycle of Recycling Champion Awards.
- Touched on continuous improvements—like sustainable practices, energy efficiency, and innovative recycling technologies.
- The meeting underscored FRPF’s commitment to education, community engagement, and elevating exemplar recycling programs statewide. The board looks forward to a successful Florida Recycles Day and expanding momentum through the Recycling Champion Awards.
FDEP Releases Capacity Report …
Earlier this month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection released its capacity report. FDEP has collaborated with researchers at the University of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and Florida Atlantic University to study the capacity of Florida’s infrastructure for solid waste management and resource recovery.
The study utilizes publicly available data, insights from facility operators, and an analysis of past disposal and recycling trends to assess the current system’s capacity and forecast future infrastructure needs as Florida’s population continues to grow.
Member News
Katharine “Kat” Cue Fuente recently joined PepsiCo as the Senior Manager of Government Affairs, covering Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Kentucky. Kat brings over a decade of experience in public service and policy, having served 13 years as a city commissioner in one of South Florida’s largest cities. She’s passionate about building strong partnerships between the private sector and local communities.
