Explanation of Indicator
This indicator includes information on the amount of municipal
solid waste (MSW) generated by the coastal counties of the state,
the proportion of the state’s total MSW that the coastal counties
represent, and how the MSW is disposed of. Since nearly 80 percent
of the state’s population resides in the coastal counties, it is
expected that these counties will make up a significant proportion
of the waste stream. Monitoring the disposal of MSW in coastal
counties provides insight into which of the disposal methods is used
most frequently and most effectively.
Data Characteristics
SOURCE
This information appears in the Solid Waste Management Annual Report
to the legislature. The data are collected and compiled by the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Solid Waste
Section and can be obtained from Mary Jean Yon, at 2600 Blair Stone
Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, or at (904) 488-0300.
ACQUISITION
This information is available in hard copy format at no cost.
COLLECTION
This information is collected annually, statewide by county.
Data Limitations
Generally, the information is reliable and will continue to improve
in validity in the future. A limitation associated with this indicator
is that information on recycling facilities may not be accurate since
the number of recycling businesses is not known. The U.S. Census
Bureau may collect this information in the future, but DEP does not
know the number of recycling facilities because they do not require a
state permit for these businesses.
Data Analysis
From 1990 to 1992, the proportion of waste landfilled in coastal counties
decreased by approximately five percent. For the same period, the
proportion of waste incinerated decreased by approximately three percent.
The proportion of waste recycled in coastal counties increased by
approximately two percent. The total proportion of waste in coastal
counties has remained fairly constant at approximately 80 percent from 1990 to 1992.
Method of Disposal Coastal Counties Proportional Shares (percentage) 1990 Landfilled 74.97 Incinerated 99.77 Recycled 84.28 TOTAL 80.34 1991 Landfilled 73.84 Incinerated 95.82 Recycled 86.56 TOTAL 80.25 1992 Landfilled 70.98 Incinerated 96.90 Recycled 86.28 TOTAL 80.82