WASTE REDUCTION

The Waste Reduction Program teaches and employs innovative, waste-limiting strategies and programs, creating a healthier, more sustainable Sarasota County. Through classes, volunteer engagement and other strategies, the program teaches residents about recycling and waste reduction, and shares information about county, state and university initiatives, priorities and regulations.

Areas of Focus

Waste Reduction and Recycling

Florida code mandates that each county in the state achieve a 75 percent waste stream recycling rate. Sarasota County is working to reach that target through increased recycling efforts, waste collection, food waste diversion, and educational programs. Sarasota County's single-stream recycling collection offers a simple approach: place only clean, empty, and dry accepted items together in your recycling cart, and keep trash, bagged material, and food-soiled packaging out. Recycling correctly saves resources, lowers costs, and keeps our community clean. Remember: When in doubt, leave it out.

Learn more: scgov.net/government/solid-waste/sarasota-county-recycles.

Food Waste

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food waste in the United States is excessive, expensive, and environmentally harmful. There are solutions, though, to reduce the impacts of food waste. By separating food scraps and choosing composting or vermicomposting, residents can cut costs, reduce climate impact, and create a nutrient-rich material.

Composting

Composting is the breakdown of organic materials by microorganisms. Anybody can compost, even apartment dwellers. All you need is a little space, water, air, some organic material (browns), and food waste (greens). Compost will happen!

Learn more: What Is Composting.

Vermicomposting

Composting with worms — also known as "vermicomposting" — is the process of using worms to produce rich compost from kitchen wastes.

Learn more: Worms-Vermicomposting.

Green Business Partnerships

Sarasota County has approximately 30,000 commercial businesses, all of whom are required to comply with county ordinances on mandatory landfill disposal and recycling. Commercial waste reduction reports show that businesses currently dispose of 506,787 tons per year, of which 303,322 is recycled for a rate of 59 percent. Energy and water conservation practices are also critical for businesses. To assist with reaching the County's target of a 75 percent recycling rate, conserve water usage, and reduce energy consumption, educating businesses is vital.

Sarasota County Green Business Partnership

The Sarasota County Green Business Partnership is open to all businesses in Sarasota County. Certified Green Business Partners operate in an environmentally responsible manner. More than 250 businesses have earned certification. Program certification includes an on-site verification of reduction, reuse and conservation practices in:

• Business operations
• Solid waste management
• Recycling
• Energy and water consumption

Learn more: scgov.net/government/sustainability/green-business-partnership.

Green Sports

The sports industry is evolving to become more than the teams that are taking the field. In today's sports, managers must be aware of all components of their organization. The industry impacts and influences our communities and sports organizations are evaluating environmental impacts. Sports leagues, franchises, colleges, teams, and venues are looking to embrace environmental programs and become leaders.

Learn more: coaching.hhp.ufl.edu/green-certificate.