Florida DEP Chosen Recycler of the Year by NORA

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection was awarded the 2009 Recycler of the Year award from An Association of Responsible Recyclers. The award was presented to DEP at the 2009 NORA Annual Recycling Conference and Trade Show. Jack Long, Director of DEP’s Southeast District Office in West Palm Beach, accepted the award on behalf of DEP.

NORA is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009.  Its members provide used oil, antifreeze, oil filter, and parts washer collection and recycling services throughout the United States and Canada. DEP was the first state agency to become a member of NORA seventeen years ago and has played an active role in educational program partnerships with NORA since that time.

“The Recycler of the Year award recognizes DEP’s efforts to encourage used oil and antifreeze recycling to protect the environment,” said NORA Executive Director Scott D. Parker.  “DEP has been a leader in used oil recycling since 1984, before national used oil regulations were in effect.” 

Florida’s Used Oil Recycling Program consists of a registration and record keeping program for used oil handlers, a used oil processor permitting program, a statewide infrastructure for collecting used oil from household “Do-It-Yourself” oil changes, and technical assistance to the public and regulated community.  DEP’s “Bring Each Quart Back!” program is America’s most successful and best organized Do-It-Yourself oil collection and recycling program.