The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government unanimously passed waste reduction and recycling legislation by Orlando State Senator Linda Stewart, a Democrat.
SB 506, titled “Comprehensive Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan,” would require the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan to implement statewide.
“I am thrilled the committee saw how important this bill is for our environment and our state,” said Senator Stewart. “Protecting and preserving our environment to make sure that Floridians can live safe and be healthy is a cause that I’m happy to champion.”
Senate Bill 506 would require the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan to implement statewide. The plan’s major provisions would set recycling goals based on previous studies conducted by the state, provide local education and community outreach, and provide financial assistance to local governments.
Upon completion of the waste reduction and recycling plan, the Department of Environmental Protection would provide a report to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House including status of the plans and any recommendations for statuary change that would be required to meet goals set forth in the plan.
This will help Florida reduce the amount of waste produced by diverting produced waste from landfills, and implementing strategies to increase reuse and recycling. The bill next moves to Fiscal Policy, its final committee of reference in the Senate.
