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Recycling Business Assistance Center

What does Florida’s RBAC do?

We assist in the development of markets for recyclable materials with the mission to achieve a 75 percent recycling rate by 2020. We can provide assistance to recycling businesses at all levels of the supply chain, as well as potential partners, the Legislature and the public.

RBAC Objectives

  • Provide guidance to increase recycling markets
  • Create connections between industry and government professionals
  • Increase awareness of RBAC’s services

RBAC Goals

  • Develop partnerships with interested trade organizations and associations
  • Build partnerships with other state agencies
  • Improve our online services
  • Create Technical Assistance Advisory Group
  • Develop quarterly e-newsletter
  • Develop a social media plan (Example: Twitter and FB)
  • Explore developing a nonprofit foundation for RBAC to raise funding
  • Develop or partner with an existing recognition/awards program
  • Provide training for Florida business development

What is Florida’s Recycling Goal?

The Energy, Climate Change, and Economic Security Act of 2008 (House Bill 7135) signed into law by former Governor Crist created Section 403.7032, Florida Statutes. This established a new statewide recycling goal of 75 percent to be achieved by the year 2020. Also, the statute directed DEP to develop a program designed to achieve this goal and submit it to the Legislature for approval. DEP submitted its 75% Recycling Goal Report  in January 2010.

The Recycling Business Assistance Center will help Florida reach its recycling goal by providing support to recycling market development.

To understand how to achieve our state's recycling goal, it's important to understand where and what our waste comes from.  

RBAC Background

HB 7243, which was effective July 1, 2010, establishes in subsection 403.7032(5), F.S., a Recycling Business Assistance Center to coordinate between state agencies and the private sector to develop new markets for recyclable materials locally and globally. This center is part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Enterprise Florida is providing technical assistance.

The following statutes relate to RBAC assistance in resource recovery:

  • 403.715 Certification of resource recovery or recycling equipment - For purposes of implementing the tax exemption provided by s. 212.08(7)(q), the department shall establish a system for the examination and certification of resource recovery or recycling equipment. Application for certification of equipment shall be submitted to the department on forms prescribed by it which include such pertinent information as the department may require. The department may require appropriate certification by a certified public accountant or professional engineer that the equipment for which this exemption is being sought complies with the exemption criterion set forth in s. 212.08(7)(q). Within 30 days after receipt of an application by the department, a representative of the department may inspect the equipment. Within 30 days after such inspection, the department shall issue a written decision granting or denying certification.
  • 212.08(7)(q) Resource recovery equipment - Also exempt is resource recovery equipment which is owned and operated by or on behalf of any county or municipality, certified by the Department of Environmental Protection under the provisions of s. 403.715.
  • Additional Information regarding sales tax exemption on resource recovery equipment.

More About RBAC


For More Information

Contact Christopher Perry
Phone: 850-245-8759
Email: Christopher.Perry@floridadep.gov
Mailing Address: 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS #4555, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400
Last Modified:
November 7, 2023 - 11:57am

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