City recycling coordinator reports community programs, partnership with Replenish and holiday-light recycling bins

Keely Kessler, the City of Key West recycling coordinator, briefed the Sustainability Advisory Board on a range of community recycling and waste-reduction efforts, including results from recent events, business outreach and pilot ideas for glass crushing and special-event incentives.

Kessler described outreach work that reduced parade candy waste and an America Recycles Day collection that recovered nearly 1,900 pounds of clothing for local charities. "We were overloaded with almost 1,900 pounds of clothing that went to different places all throughout our community," she said.

She said the city is coordinating with a company named Replenish that provides collection and tracking services for businesses and events and is exploring expanded services to include glass. Kessler also reported a finalized multi-family recycling program at The Lofts and distribution of starter recycling bags to new residents there.

Kessler outlined holiday-light recycling boxes (Gaylord boxes) placed at Home Depot stores in Marathon and Key West and said partners will collect and process lights so they are not landfilled. She also discussed piloting glass-crushing during plogging (litter-removal) events and working with Waste Management on expanded recyclable acceptance (plastic cups and paper coffee cups reportedly accepted now).

Kessler invited further ideas and noted the potential to develop incentives or recognition for low-footprint special events. She said she would be open to holding additional public workshops to clarify container rules and event responsibilities.

Next steps: staff will continue outreach with businesses and schools, pursue pilot projects and monitor adoption of multi-family recycling and special-event guidance.