Oviedo, Winter Springs lead the way in recycling
While nearby cities including Winter Park struggle to improve recycling up to state standards, Oviedo and Winter Springs continue to lead the way in the push toward lofty statewide goals for recycling and sustainability.
New 96-gallon recycling carts were distributed to Oviedo residents last December, replacing the previous 18-gallon bins at homes at no additional charge.
The All-In-One cart system allows residents to recycle paper, plastic, cardboard, aluminum, metal canisters and glass all from one container.
But that doesn’t mean everything made from metal or plastic can be tossed in the bins; Items that can’t be recycled yet commonly end up in the bins include aerosol cans, aluminum foil, batteries, light bulbs and Styrofoam.
Residents in apartments and condominiums have their own options too. Anyone without curbside recycling can drop off recyclables in bins behind Oviedo City Hall, located at 400 Alexandria Blvd.
Oviedo leads the way for reusing trash in Seminole County, recycling 35 percent of its waste each year, according to figures reported in 2012.
In 2008 the state set a goal of recycling 75 percent of its waste by 2020. No Central Florida cities have reported hitting that number yet.
Oviedo accounted for more than 25 percent of all recycling in Seminole County last year, Mayor Dominic Persampiere said.
Written By Tim Freed: July 11, 2014
