The primary goal of the program has been met. Currently 33% of the state's municipal solid wastes are being recycled. This is up from only 4% when the program began.
The markets for recycled materials have improved considerably since the start of the program. Increased revenues to county recycling programs could be used to partially offset the loss of state funds received from the recycling and education grants program. Improved markets for recyclables also produce economic incentives for the commercial sector to recycle more of their solid waste.
While some reduction in the amount of material recycled may occur due to the loss of grant money, all larger county programs will continue and only approximately 1/3 of small county programs would end due to the loss of grant money.
Loss of recycling programs in small counties would not significantly impact the quantity of municipal solid waste recycled in the state as a whole. The 36 counties with a population exceeding 50,000 persons account for 99% of all municipal solid waste recycled, while the 31 counties with a population of less than 50,000 persons account for only 1%. Options: Continue funding the recycling and education grants program indefinitely.
Phase out the program over period of time, e.g., 3 years.
Eliminate the Recycling and Education Grants Program at the end of fiscal year 1995-96.

Progress Report: Department Taking Steps to Improve State Agencies' Recycling Efforts, Encouraging Commercial Sector
Report 04-22 March 2004
Eliminating Recycling Grants and Raising Recycling Rates Could Save Over $2.5 Million
Report 02-15 March 2002
Progress Report: Recycling and Education Program
Report 99-03 August 1999

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.