Florida officials say recycling is up in the Sunshine State

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Floridians are recycling more according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

DEP officials on Monday released a report that says Florida’s overall recycling rate in 2015 was 54 percent. That total figure, however, includes more than just traditional recycling of items, such as glass and paper. It also includes the production of energy generated from garbage.

Florida has a goal of trying to reach a 75 percent recycling rate by 2020.

Charlotte County in southwest Florida has the highest traditional recycling rate at 59 percent. Other top counties are Brevard, Martin, Collier and Sarasota. Counties that have traditional recycling rates over 50 percent include Citrus, Leon, Orange, Pinellas and St. Lucie.