Did you know? Commercial establishments in Miami-Dade County produce an estimated 1.7 million tons of waste each year! That's more than half of our community's solid waste, and much of it is recyclable. Managing this waste stream through recycling and waste reduction is good for South Florida's environment, but it also makes good business sense. Evaluating how your company is producing waste can uncover organizational inefficiencies -- some of which may be costly. Further, an environmentally responsive approach to managing solid waste can enhance your company's image. But, if these reasons aren't convincing enough, you should know that commercial recycling is also required by law.

Ordinance Requirements
Commercial recycling became mandatory countywide in July of 1992. To view Chapter 15, Section 2.3 of the Code of Miami-Dade, click here. Business owners in Miami-Dade County must provide a recycling program for their employees and tenants, using the services of an authorized waste hauler or private recycling hauler.

Three easy steps to comply with mandatory recycling
Step 1: Establish a recycling program that includes at least three items from this list:

Step 2: Arrange to have your recyclables picked up.

• Start with your waste hauler. Many offer recycling services.
• Or call a private recycling vendor. Check the business section of the telephone directory under "waste haulers" for companies that provide recycling collection services.

Be sure to shop around to compare rates and services. If you choose your existing waste hauler, check to see if you can reduce your level of waste service (either the size of your current waste container or frequency of pick-up) to help offset the cost of implementing a recycling program.

Step 3: Design your recycling program to fit your needs.

• Appoint a capable and enthusiastic person as your recycling coordinator.
• Decide which materials to recycle based on the list above.
• Identify the types of containers you'll need, how many and where you should place them. 
• Design a system for collecting recyclables and moving them to a central location for hauling.
• Educate employees on your new program and the benefits of recycling.

Other Options to Comply
Modified Recycling Programs  - those which incorporate modifications, substitutions or reductions to the requirements stated above -- may be submitted to the Department of Solid Waste Management for review and approval.

Penalties
The County will provide technical assistance to help your business comply with the County's recycling law. Businesses that don't comply could be fined. Fines range from $300 to $950 based on the square footage of the commercial establishment and can be assessed daily until compliance is met.

For more information on starting a program that complies with the County's recycling law or to learn more about modified programs, call 3-1-1.

Resources:

• Read the FAQ's
• Business Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention  
• Greening Your Office