Joshua Paladino, candidate for County Commission District 6, is proposing a Source Separation ordinance that will require most business in Orange County to separate paper, cardboard and plastics for recycling purposes on site. This is the first candidate in the campaign for District 6 to put forward a policy position in writing.
“Not only is being Eco-friendly responsible, it’s profitable,” Paladino said. “This Source Separation ordinance will save millions of pounds of waste from entering landfills and when this ordinance matures, we will see a reduction of 24% within a few years. Many Counties across America have already implemented similar ordinances and have seen the economic benefit of reducing waste and the tourism generated by creating a sustainable community.”
While the intent of the ordinance is to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfills and make Orange County a more eco-friendly place, Paladino remains open about which businesses would be required to comply until further study is conducted. Upon study, businesses generating a certain amount of cubic yards of waste per week will be required to separate for recycling purposes.
There are also several exemptions for businesses, including those operating in temporary locations like street vendors, construction sites, and outdoor festivals. This proposed ordinance specifically targets corrugated cardboard, office paper and plastics generated by businesses and local governments.
“People typically like to spend their money in cities, states and counties that go the extra mile to reduce, reuse and recycle,” Paladino said. “Orange County, Florida should become the leader of Central Florida and throughout the state for our communities ability to foster recycling programs for county residents and businesses.”
You can view the entire proposed ordinance here.
