Recycling (Miami, Tampa, Sarasota: houses, neighborhoods, schools)

[xbillyx]

I came across this article while researching recycling programs in St Pete: St. Pete approves curbside recycling for residents

I can't believe this was just now implemented! But, at least it exists now. Is this indicative of recycling in the rest of the area? I hope there is curbside recycling everywhere.

[xbillyx]

Wow, I just read that it's voluntary to use the curbside service as well. I think I'm still a little used to Seattle: free curbside pick-up (built into city taxes) and a $50 fine per recyclable item found in your trash, which was excellent!

[Maggi07]

I'm pretty sure most everyone has curbside recycling here now; I'm really surprised St. Pete just got it going! Florida does lag behind in that area.

I don't like the idea of that fine you have in Seattle, though.

[BucFan]

I've noticed that not all of my neighbors recycle - (no blue/green bins). Should I turn 'em in?
Only kidding, but in Germany they take recycling pretty seriously - and have done so for years. They even separate their green glass from brown glass from clear class. I'm not sure if there's a fine for not recycling over there, but I'm guess there is.

[gypsychic]

Wow - you're kidding! Sarasota has been recycling for decades! Surprised to hear that St. Pete just started....... Actually we are in Manatee now, but recycling is included with our water/sewer/garbage fee, all of which is quite reasonable.

[xbillyx]

I was shocked to read that article. And, it's an optional service for which the customer pays $2.75/month. That's peanuts but I'm sure it'll rule people out. It should just be built in to city taxes and people would already be paying for it.

Personally, I loved the fine. It forced lazy people to be responsible and recycle what they could.

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by xbillyx

I was shocked to read that article. And, it's an optional service for which the customer pays $2.75/month. That's peanuts but I'm sure it'll rule people out. It should just be built in to city taxes and people would already be paying for it.

Personally, I loved the fine. It forced lazy people to be responsible and recycle what they could.

It is laziness - and it isn't too difficult of a habit to get into. Besides, it helps the environment.

[ISOnewplace]

I have to say that I agree with the poster who said that Florida really lags behind in this sense. Not just in recycling but in attitude in general towards environmental responsibility. I'm sure there are places that do it well but it is not part of the culture as it is in other areas where I have lived. Even though we have curbside recycling in most neighborhoods in Miami, one afternoon in a park will remind you how little people give a crap about anything here.

The schools teach the kids to eat healthy and recycle and then they have birthday parties with chips, sodas and food coloring and throw trash everywhere. I've seen people at whole foods empty the trash out of their car in the parking lot...I mean...come on! I can barely go out of my house anymore because the attitudes here really disgust me.

I am so happy we found a Waldorf school here which is almost zero impact. (reusable water bottles, cloth hand towels, etc. All of our lunchboxes are zero waste). I am hoping that Tampa will be a little better in this regard but again, my expectations are in check. I did notice that most houses in Safety Harbor have reclaimed water for lawn care and also have rain collection barrels. This is nice to see!

[ISOnewplace]

Sorry for the rant. I try to stay positive but this issue really gets me riled up.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and kumbaya everyone!!!!

[xbillyx]

Originally Posted by ISOnewplace

Sorry for the rant. I try to stay positive but this issue really gets me riled up.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and kumbaya everyone!!!!

Hey, no worries. I'm completely in agreement with you. Environmental responsibility is a big deal and it pisses me off to no end when people don't care.