(Ocala, FL) Recycle Florida Today (RFT), the state’s leading recycling organization, is pleased to announce its affiliation with the US Composting Council (USCC) as well as with composting leaders in Florida to form a chapter known as the Florida Composting Council. Over the next couple of months, the chapter will be bringing together organics recyclers across the state and creating the platform needed to move the industry forward.  “We are excited about the Florida Composting Council Chapter and USCC affiliation to help lead Florida’s efforts in advocacy, education and member training for the goal of advancing composting and organics recycling in the state of Florida,” said Heather Armstrong, executive director for RFT. Florida becomes the 15th chapter of the USCC.

According to industry experts, about 25 percent of the national waste stream is organic material. The concentration of effort on Florida’s composting has considerable potential to remove organics from the waste stream, out of landfills, and incinerators – all potent generators of greenhouse gasses.

“It was only natural to become a partner and share resources to expand the use of organics and, of course, the benefits for the overall environment are tremendous,” said Carmen Bruno, Hernando County, Florida, Solid Waste Operations Manager and RFT chair.

“Creating an alliance in Florida moves us forward as an industry association to advocate for organics policies in the state,” said Jairo E. Gonzalez, industry expert, organics and food waste diversion developer at Waste Pro Green and chapter advisor to the USCC. “Our chapters and the USCC will jointly take positions on proposed regulations, education and advocacy to support the compost industry in the Sunshine State and nationally.”

“The new chapter will help strengthen education and provide tools to the compost operators, for example,” said David Hill, consultant, RFT board director who also serves as the organics and recycling committee co-chair for RFT. “Additionally, we will work to strengthen our backyard composting programs for residences through the new affiliation.”

According to the USCC, once compost is applied to soil in farming, it sequesters carbon from the atmosphere. This makes compost an important tool in the fight against climate change.

“Florida is one of the top agricultural producers in the country,” said Chris Snow, vice president of corporate operations, Veransa, Inc., RFT board treasurer and co –chair of the organics recycling committee. “It makes sense that Florida would put an increased emphasis on large-scale composting, to reuse organic matter that holds water better than manufactured, chemical fertilizers, has the beneficial microbes that support plant growth and supports climate change initiatives.”

Membership Committee
The function of this committee is to recruit new and retain existing members. The committee shall establish yearly membership goals which may include, the number of new members to be gained, number of membership renewals achieved, and a degree of services. Membership is required to solicit nominations and prepare the ballot for FLCC Board elections and other matters requiring voting by the membership.

Education and Outreach Committee
The function of this committee is to establish and coordinate FLCC training, conferences, seminars, educational outreach events and other meetings. All FLCC Board sponsored programs or meetings are to be approved by the committee. The committee works in collaboration with the Membership Committee to build industry relationships and encourage collaboration with other organizations. The committee will also develop and expand FLCC's presence and influence while enhance its image and credibility inside and outside the organization. It is responsible for creating and maintaining effective communication standards, assisting the organization and its membership communicate effectively with one another and increase marketing and communications links between the FLCC and potential members, other organizations, potential partners and general public.

Advocacy Committee
The function of this committee is to work with policy makers, regulators and its members to advance legislation, policy and funding that enhance opportunities to increase compost production and use in Florida.

Marketing and Social Media Committee
The function of this committee is to work create and post content in support of FLCC and the committees.