Commissioner's Corner: A better way to recycle

On July 28, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners took a bold step to make our community greener and more sustainable. The Board chose to adopt a 1-1-1 automatic solid waste collection system. When implemented, this system will save taxpayer’s money, lead to higher recycling rates, and provide a better level of service to residents of unincorporated Orange County. This month, I would like to share information concerning our current solid waste collection program and update you on changes coming to residents of unincorporated Orange County on Jan. 1.

Orange County’s residents generate massive amounts of municipal solid waste, including garbage, recyclables and yard waste. In 2014, the average Orange County resident generated 2.27 tons of waste, or 12.44 pounds per day. Last year, Orange County placed 1.36 million tons, or 48.7 percent, of waste in our landfill while recycling only 51.3 percent, or 1.43 million tons. Currently, county residents receive two garbage, one recycling, and one yard-waste pickup per week. Earlier this summer, the Board had the opportunity to approve a new, 10-year solid waste-hauling contract. We had three types of services available to choose from: the 2-1-1 manual service the county currently receives, a slightly modified version of our current service called 2-1-1 automatic, and 1-1-1 automatic which uses a robotic arm to quickly empty waste containers.

I am proud of our Board for choosing to implement a 1-1-1 automatic collection system. Our neighbors in Lake, Osceola, and Volusia have converted to 1-1-1 systems and have experienced positive outcomes from significantly increased recycling and reduced costs to taxpayers. Lake County, for instance, saw a 13-percent increase in recycling and was able to reduce residential collection rates from $184 to $176 per year. Osceola and Volusia counties, as well as many municipalities that have chosen 1-1-1 automatic, have generally seen the same results. I believe our implementation of 1-1-1 will yield similar benefits in unincorporated Orange County and I look forward to seeing the tangible benefits for the environment, improved service for customers, and reduced cost for taxpayers as a result of the new service.

In the months to come, residents in unincorporated Orange County will be receiving information from our Solid Waste Division to prepare them for the transition to 1-1-1 automatic. Disabled homeowners who are unable to take their bins to the curb may apply for rear-door service. Those who qualify will receive this service at no charge. Residents will no longer need to sort recyclables before disposing of them; your recycle bin will have a list of items acceptable for recycling. Finalized collection schedules will be distributed beginning in November. Bulk item collection process will change; residents will have to schedule a day for the collection of these items by calling the Orange County Solid Waste Hotline.

One of my main priorities as an Orange County Commissioner is to embrace environmentally sustainable practices for both our government and residents. I am excited to see the positive effects the new 1-1-1 system will have on our community. If you have any questions regarding the new solid waste system, please contact our Solid Waste Hotline at 407-836-6601. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff, Edgar Robinson and Lynette Rummel, if you have any questions regarding Orange County government. We can be reached at 407-836-7350 or by email and [email protected].