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G° [SeVCCdOMIG GOAL <br />In 2008, the Florida Legislature established a <br />statewide weight -based recycling goal of 75% by <br />2020. The legislation directed the Florida Department <br />of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a <br />reporting protocol which requires annual reporting <br />by counties. The legislation also established interim <br />recycling goals and provided that large counties (> <br />100,000 in population) which do not achieve goals <br />may be directed to develop a plan to expand recycling <br />programs. <br />In attempting to reach the 75% goal, counties have <br />implemented single stream recycling programs <br />and expanded education and outreach programs to <br />inform the public of the benefits of recycling. However, <br />while this statutory recycling goal is the product of <br />good intentions, DEP issued a report in 2018 wherein <br />the Department acknowledged that the goal is <br />"aspirational" and, without significant changes to <br />the current approach, Florida's recycling rate will <br />likely fall short of the 75% goal by 2020. <br />Challenges which inhibit local governments from <br />achievingthe75%goal include collection methods, <br />shifts in recycling markets, new and lighter weight <br />packaging, and a diminishing global demand for <br />recycled waste. Additionally, counties have gone <br />to great lengths in an attempt to meet the 75% <br />recycling goal. <br />Support future recycling goals that are based <br />on energy efficiency rather than weight. <br />Oppose any fines or consequences associated <br />with contamination or not meeting the <br />recycling goal. 181 <br />