Recycling has become an increasingly popular trend across various cities in the United States, including Miami-Dade. However, despite the increased emphasis on recycling, there are still surprising facts and insights about the recycling efforts in Miami-Dade that most people are not aware of. In this article, we will review five surprising things you didn’t know about recycling in Miami-Dade that will help you to gain a better understanding of waste management and recycling practices in the area.
1. Rejected recycling materials end up in landfills
Though many people believe that all recycling materials get recycled, more often than not, this isn’t always the case. When recycling materials are improperly sorted or contaminated, they cannot be recycled, and ultimately, they end up in landfills. Unfortunately, this is a challenge that the recycling programs in Miami-Dade face since many residents place non-recyclable materials in their recycling bins.
2. Recycling in Miami-Dade generates employment opportunities
Recycling programs in Miami-Dade, like NRRA, National Recycling and Refining Association, recruit and train more than 500 Miami-Dade residents on how to become sorting operators, processors, and field technicians to collect waste in residential areas. Essentially, recycling initiatives in Miami-Dade create job opportunities that are beneficial to the local economy.
3. Miami-Dade embraces community recycling
In Miami-Dade, communities play a vital role in supporting recycling efforts by embracing and promoting recycling. Stakeholders raise awareness and educate residents on how to sort and separate their waste, thereby preventing contamination of recyclable materials and keeping the waste stream clean. As a result, this helps to boost recycling rates in the areas that these community members come from.
4. Miami-Dade recycles materials that most people believe are not recyclable
The recycling program in Miami-Dade is designed to recycle items that most people wouldn’t think are recyclable, such as plastic bags, food waste, electronics waste, aluminum foil, and cigarette butts. By expanding the types of waste that can be recycled, Miami is becoming an environmentally conscious community.
5. Miami-Dade recycles over 50% of the waste generated in the community
Miami-Dade has made significant strides in its recycling journey. Its recycling program has won awards for its efficiency in recycling waste, and the city now recycles over 50% of its waste. This is a significant accomplishment, and it shows Miami-Dade’s commitment to creating an environmentally-friendly community.
In conclusion, recycling in Miami-Dade is an essential aspect of ensuring the environment is protected. However, the true understanding of its impact lies in the community’s awareness of some of the surprising recycling facts in the area. Now that you are up to speed, make your contribution to keeping Miami-Dade and the world cleaner and safer.
