January 2026
Message from our Chair- Donn Githens, President/CEO Goodwill Manasota
Message from our Chair- Donn Githens, President/CEO Goodwill Manasota
Happy New Year! As we enter 2026, the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation (FRPF) remains committed to our mission of educating policymakers, business leaders, and the public about the benefits of recycling—and how to recycle right.
Earlier this month, our Board of Directors met to set priorities for the year ahead. I am proud to work alongside a strong leadership team that is dedicated to improving recycling across Florida through education, collaboration, and practical solutions that deliver real results for our communities and our environment.
We look forward to building on our momentum in 2026 and continuing to serve as a trusted resource and advocate for responsible recycling throughout the state.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Beyond the Bin: Building a Sustainable and Engaging School Recycling Culture
FRPF kicked off 2026 with a successful and informative webinar, Beyond the Bin: Building a Sustainable and Engaging School Recycling Culture, showcasing a standout recycling program at Orange County Public Schools.
David Klawitter shared how OCPS is educating students, faculty, and staff on recycling best practices and creating a culture of sustainability throughout its schools. His presentation highlighted practical strategies that make recycling part of everyday learning and operations.
Chris Perry from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection offered valuable insights on how to start a recycling program, emphasizing the importance of setting goals, engaging stakeholders, and tracking progress to measure success and drive continuous improvement.
Thank you to Liz DeWitt and the Florida Beverage Association for sponsoring this webinar and supporting recycling education across Florida.
If you missed the live event, you can still watch the recording—visit www.flrecycling.org to learn more.
FBA Community Organization Grant Program application period is now open.
The Florida Beverage Association (FBA) is now accepting applications for its Community Organization Grant Program. Now in its 11th year, the program supports nonprofit and community-based organizations advancing community health and wellness or environmental sustainability in Florida.
Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for grants typically up to $25,000, with select projects considered for larger awards. The application deadline is Friday, February 13, 2026.
To learn more and apply, visit //flabev.org/news/grant-program-2026/. Questions may be directed to fbagrants@flabev.org
Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation Announces 2026 Leadership Team
The Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation (FRPF) has announced its leadership team for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to advancing recycling and sustainable resource management across the state.
Donn Githens, President and CEO of Goodwill Manasota, was elected to serve a second term as Chair. Jenna Register Emerson, Manager of Public Affairs, Communications, and Social Impact for Cemex, was elected Chair-Elect. Dawn McCormick, Director of Communications and Government Affairs for WM, was elected Secretary, and James P. Toner, Senior Director of Government Relations for the International Bottled Water Association, will continue to serve as Secretary/Treasurer. Elizabeth Castro DeWitt, President and CEO of the Florida Beverage Association, will serve as Past Chair and continue her service on the Board of Directors.
The Foundation also welcomed a new member to its Board of Directors, Katherine “Kat” Cue Fuentes of PepsiCo.
Current Board Members include Erin Black, Vice President of Sustainability, Risk Management, and Facilities for Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida); Billi Jo Huddleston, Environmental Services Manager for Florida Power & Light; Mike Rubin, President and CEO of the Florida Ports Council; Derieth Sutton, Vice President of Economic Development and Community Relations for Niagara Bottling; and Andrew Williams, President of MARPAN.
Keyna Cory will continue to serve as Executive Director of the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation.
Member News
Right now, Miami-Dade County generates 5 million tons of trash each year and only 37 percent of that is ever recycled. And Broward County is right behind with similar stats. So now, more than ever, it’s so important that all of us not only recycle, but recycle correctly. “Sixty percent of the people want to recycle, but they’re confused and they don’t know how, and they are making mistakes,” said Dawn McCormick, of Waste Management Inc. of Florida. And because most of us are doing it wrong, more and more cities can’t afford to do it any more. One of the biggest mistakes people make is putting their recycling in plastic bags. That’s a big no, no. Under no circumstances are plastic bags ever recyclable. “It’s a huge problem. It adds costs, it damages machinery,” McCormick explained.
“Anheuser-Busch to pump $30M in new money into First Coast brewing operations” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — One of America’s leading brewers is stepping up its financial commitment in North Florida. Anheuser-Busch announced it’s investing another $30 million in the company’s Jacksonville brewery and can plant. The infusion of new funding will be used to upgrade the company’s brewing and packaging equipment at its plant on the city’s Northside. The new money is designed to increase production at the plant that brews products such as staples as Michelob Ultra, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Cutwater Spirits and other beverages. “Investing in our Jacksonville facilities enables us to brew more of the highest-quality American beers that consumers love, including Michelob Ultra, the No. 1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer in America,” said Brendon Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch.
WM plans $88M recycling facility in East Ybor
