Publix receives 'Best Overall' recycling award in Florida

The Florida Recycling Partnership and The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recognized seven organizations during its Florida Recycling Week with Lakeland, Florida-based Publix Super Markets winning “Best Overall.”

“Publix remains committed to being responsible citizens in our communities, which includes caring for the environment,” says Publix Director of Environmental and Sustainability Programs Michael Hewett. “We continuously examine processes in our stores, warehouses and offices, looking for additional ways to recycle.”

Publix says it was recognized for its commitment across the company to recycling education, including its plastic bag recycling campaign to educate customers and its internal Green Routine program which encourages associates to make sustainable choices. Through efforts like these, Publix is proud to have recycled more than 615 million pounds of cardboard and more than 21 million pounds of soft plastics in 2021.

NuCycle Energy, Plant City, Florida, received the “Innovation” award, says the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation, Tallahassee, Florida.

“NuCycle Energy is both proud and flattered to have received the award for ‘Innovation in Recycling’ from the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation,” NuCycle Energy CEO Mark Barasch says. “We look forward to continuing to work with the foundation and all its members in our collaborative efforts to preserve and improve upon the environment here in Florida over the years to come.”

Brightmark, San Franciso, received awards for “Communication and Education” and “Waste Reduction, Recycling and Reuse.”

Other honorees include:

• St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch which was presented the “Water Reuse/Recycling” award;
• Tampa International Airport which received the “Energy Efficiency” award;
• Tallahassee-based National Storm Water Trust received the “Environmental Stewardship” award for helping protect the Port of Tampa Bay from excessive runoff following Hurricane Ian; and
• Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida, received the “Recycling Market Development” award.