Greetings from the desk of Liz DeWitt, President & CEO of the Florida Beverage Association!
Whether we’re expanding recycling infrastructure, helping residents recycle with confidence, or bringing new recycling opportunities to places where Floridians live, work, and play, our goal remains the same: keeping valuable materials in circulation so they can be used again and again.
These initiatives are a reminder that meaningful progress takes more than investment alone. It takes education, innovation and, most importantly, collaboration.
Expanding Recycling Access in Levy County
Elizabeth DeWitt (Right), President and CEO of Florida Beverage Assoc., tours the recycling drop off site in Levy County, Florida.
More than 55,000 Levy County residents will soon have greater access to recycling, thanks to a $130,000 investment from America’s beverage companies through Every Bottle Back. The funding will help establish a
permanent, staffed recycling drop-off site, making recycling more convenient for approximately 18,000 households in this rural Florida community.
Over the next decade, the project is expected to recover an estimated 390,000 pounds of PET plastic and 130,000 pounds of aluminum, keeping valuable materials out of landfills and in circulation. It’s another example of how partnerships can deliver lasting benefits for Florida communities.
Stepping Up to the Plate for Recycling
Recycling is becoming part of the game plan at St. Augustine Little League fields! Through a partnership between the Florida Beverage Association, St. Augustine Little League, St. Johns County, and Republic Services, new recycling bins and educational labels are being introduced throughout the complex to make it easier for players, families and fans to recycle plastic beverage bottles and aluminum cans.
The “Recycle Like a Champion” initiative is kicking off with a soft launch this fall, using colorful signage and community education to encourage proper recycling habits. Serving more than 30 youth baseball and softball teams and thousands of visitors annually, the program could become a model for recycling at other sports facilities across Florida.
Helping Surfside Recycle Right!
The Town of Surfside, in partnership with the Florida Beverage Association and WM, has launched a community-wide initiative to make recycling easier and reduce contamination. New “Recycle Right, Surfside!” labels are being introduced on recycling containers throughout the community, providing clear, visual guidance on what belongs in recycling and what stays out.
The campaign also includes multilingual educational resources, flyers and ready-to-share materials for residents, property managers and community organizations. By reinforcing simple habits like emptying containers and keeping recyclables loose with no bags, Surfside is helping residents recycle with confidence and keep valuable materials in circulation.
Celebrating 7 Years of Every Bottle Back!
Seven years ago, America’s beverage companies launched Every Bottle Back, a $100 million initiative to improve recycling nationwide. Since then, the initiative has delivered recycling carts to 1 million households across more than 70 communities and supported recycling projects benefiting 16 million Americans.
From expanding recycling access to improving education and infrastructure, Every Bottle Back continues to make an impact in Florida and beyond!
Join Florida’s Growing Coalition for Better Recycling
Building a stronger recycling future takes teamwork! Through Every Bottle Back, the Florida Beverage Association is bringing together businesses, local governments, and community organizations committed to improving recycling and keeping valuable materials in circulation.
From expanding recycling access to supporting education and innovative solutions, our coalition is turning shared goals into meaningful action across
Save the Date: Florida Recycles Day 2026
Join the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation for Florida Recycles Day 2026, bringing together businesses, local governments, recycling professionals, nonprofits and students to share ideas and explore
opportunities to strengthen recycling and sustainability throughout Florida.
This year’s program will feature smart recycling technology, recycling in sports venues and away from home, industry innovations and sustainability initiatives, along with the Recycling Recognition & Champion Awards. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for additional program details!
Liz DeWitt
President/CEO
Florida Beverage Association