Florida Senate project aims for high recycling rate

The Florida Senate Chamber, originally built in early 1970s, is being renovated, and according to the Florida Recycling Partnership, efforts are being made to reuse and recycle obsolete furnishings and materials.

The group says it is working with Senate officials such as Katie Betta, spokesperson for Senate President Andy Gardiner, to ensure that “many items are being reused and recycled.”

For example, the desks of the 40 senators are being sold to those with an interest in the state’s history. Current and past senators will get the first chance to buy them and then the general public “will have an opportunity to own a little piece of history,” according to the Partnership.

Additional furniture from the senate chamber is being used in other locations throughout Florida’s capitol building in Tallahassee. Paneling on the wall has been saved and a salvage company has been hired to find new homes for other materials.

“Our senate chamber has received only minimal updates since its original construction in the 1970s,” says Senate President Andy Gardiner. “Our HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) units were outdated and will be replaced with newer and more energy efficient models. Lighting fixtures will also be replaced and updated with LED lighting that is more energy efficient and cost-effective.”

The Partnership remarks that Florida has a 75 percent recycling goal set for 2020 and “it’s great to see the Senate try and do its part.”

“The Florida Recycling Partnership applauds the Senate’s efforts,” says Keyna Cory, executive director of the Partnership. “We can’t wait to see the new digs (or final product), as the chamber is long overdue for a face lift. We hope to see something with a little nostalgia paired with modern technology. And hopefully the new senate chamber will include a few recycling bins too!”

The Florida Recycling Partnership describes itself as a coalition of Florida businesses and associations with the mission of educating policy makers and the general public about the benefits of recycling.