In November of 2020, the City of Tampa Department of Solid Waste & Environmental Program Management was awarded a “Think Green” grant, valued at $2,500, to amplify its recycling education campaign efforts. The grant, funded by Waste Management, is intended to aid in combating recycling contamination; a major nationwide problem. Nearly 40% of the materials collected via the City of Tampa’s residential curbside recycling program is contaminated.
Residential contamination occurs when unacceptable items are placed in the curbside recycling containers. Contaminants damage sorting equipment, create safety hazards for employees, and escalate the costs associated with operating a recycling program to a point where some have ceased.
“Many residents unintentionally contaminate recycling loads, making the material garbage instead of recycling. In order to continue offering curbside recycling programs, recycling the right materials will be critical. We will continue using multiple platforms and outreach efforts to provide information on residential waste diversion techniques that optimizes the City of Tampa’s recycling programs,” said Department Director, Mark Wilfalk.
“Waste Management is pleased to recognize the City of Tampa for its ongoing excellence in recycling education with a 2020 Think Green Grant and continue to partner on future efforts,” said Dawn McCormick, Director of Communications. “We encourage residents to recycle only clean and dry cardboard, paper, bottles and cans curbside to keep recycling environmentally and economically sustainable.”
To learn more about what is and is not recyclable in Tampa, visit www.tampa.gov/recycle.
For additional information, please contact:
Ashley Bauman, Marketing & Communications Director
(813) 274-8262
Ashley.Bauman@tampagov.net