Miami-Dade Parks making "on-the-go" recycling easier for park and beach visitors

(MIAMI, May 29, 2015) — As part of their ongoing efforts to ensure sustainability practices are maximized, the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department is in the process of improving and expanding recycling collection throughout parks with the installation of new recycling bins. The bins will make recycling more accessible and convenient for public park and beach goers to dispose of plastic and glass bottles and aluminum cans properly, greatly reducing waste input to our landfills.

Whether beautifying Miami-Dade’s world-class parks or restoring urban forests and marine ecosystems, Miami-Dade Parks has long been at the forefront of the county’s environmental and conservation movement, and educating the public about their vital role as eco-stewards.

Currently, 800 new metal mesh recycling bins have been installed at 86 Miami-Dade County park sites, including community parks, nature preserves, beaches, marinas, and attractions such as Zoo Miami, the Deering Estate at Cutler, and Fruit and Spice Park. More sites are expected to receive bins in phases. The new recycling receptacles were funded by the Miami-Dade Resource Conservation Committee, in support of the county’s “GreenPrint” sustainability plan whose initiatives focus on the protection of the environment, recycling, and the reduction of trash delivered to landfills.

Bins are clearly marked “RECYCLE” and topped with a “blue” lid, and ergonomic slots for pitching-in “plastic and glass bottles” and “aluminum cans.” Each recycle bin will be paired with a regular trash can and placed near picnic shelters, concessions, and high traffic areas. Beach front areas with higher volumes, will receive 70-gallon version recycle bins, topped with a “green” lid.

“I congratulate Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department for their great recycling initiative,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “By everyone doing their part to recycle, Miami-Dade County will be a stronger, healthier and more livable community and our beautiful park spaces and beaches will be preserved for the enjoyment of generations to come. I urge everyone to be more eco-responsible on their park visits and make recycling part of daily living.”

“As summer draws near, more and more people will be enjoying picnics and other outdoor recreational activities with family and friends at our parks, beaches and attractions. We are pleased to provide our patrons with easy and accessible recycling opportunities,” said Miami-Dade Parks Director Jack Kardys. “This is good for Miami-Dade Parks and the environment.”

Bagged recyclables will be hauled away in a single stream collection by recycling provider, Sunshine Recycling Services (SRS) Florida.

Miami-Dade Parks is a world-class parks system supported by the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade and focused on Placemaking, Health and Fitness, and Conservation and Stewardship. For more information, visit www.miamidade.gov/parks.

Miami-Dade Parks is a world-class parks system supported by the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade and focused on Placemaking, Health and Fitness, and Conservation and Stewardship. For more information visit www.miamidade.gov/parks.

About Miami-Dade Parks: http://www.miami-dade.gov/parks/about-parks.asp.

About the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade: http://www.miamidade.gov/parks_foundation/about-us.asp.