Project Scope

Across the world, recycling programs are changing, and even in some cases ceasing to exist. In the last few years, the recycling industry has seen record low commodity prices and only in the last few months has recycling begun to bounce back. However, many local governments, including those in Florida have already taken measures to either limit the materials accepted in their program or have completely ended their recycling program. The 2021 Hinkley Center research agenda emphasizes the need for effective recycling quality improvements and economic development for recyclables. In response to these agenda items, Florida Polytechnic University (the University) proposes to undertake efforts to piece together the current waste management costs and related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for all 67 Florida counties.  Then, different changes to the recycling program will be evaluated to understand the impact to costs and GHG emissions mitigation. The final outcome of this research will be a comprehensive white paper that can be used by Florida solid waste decision makers in retooling their recycling programs to be more cost effective and maximize the potential offsets of GHG emissions that recycling produces.

TAG Meeting Recordings 

Meeting 1: 1st TAG State of Recycling in Florida Hinkley Center Funded Project-20230131_131110-Meeting Recording.mp4
Meeting 2:  2nd TAG State of Recycling in Florida Hinkley Center Funded Project-20230616_125701-Meeting Recording.mp4
Meeting 3:  Final TAG HC Recycling Project - Dr. Anshassi-20231117_131311-Meeting Recording.mp4 

Useful Websites

Florida Faculty Site: https://floridapoly.edu/directory/faculty/malak-anshassi.php 
Google Scholar Site: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=BOXj0XgAAAAJ&hl=en