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HB 301 Relating to Recycling by Representative Janet Long (D-St. Petersburg) was unanimously passed by the House Environmental Protection Committee today. This legislation requires state agencies and airports to implement a recycling program for paper, aluminum, and glass. It also requires any business, organization or association who receives any state funding to recycle the same materials to the greatest extent possible. Some businesses would have to transport these materials to a recycling center across town or county since not all local governments have curb side recycling programs. With gasoline costing over $3 per gallon, it is not fair for a business, especially a not-for-profit, to have to spend more money transporting the materials than what they would receive for them.
 Keyna Cory, Chief Lobbyist for AIF, brought 22 cans in a box to show the committee members that a person would receive only 60 cents from a recycling center for this box of recyclable materials. We are asking that Representative Long amend her bill so that a small business or not-for-profit can recycle when it is economically feasible or cost effective.
Recycling is not only good for the environment but it is also good for the economy. However, a business should not have to bear additional cost for recycling just because they have a contract with the state. The state should encourage recycling whenever possible but must make sure that it is cost effective.
AIF is closely monitoring this bill for its potential impact on Florida’s employers.
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