HCP Associates conducted and reported on the 2019 Pinellas County Commercial Recycling Survey. This survey aimed to gauge local businesses’ recycling and waste reduction habits and unearth any pain points associated with the topic.
In 2019, HCP Associates was engaged by Pinellas County’s Department of Solid Waste for the Commercial Recycling Survey. Pinellas County Department of Solid Waste wanted to understand what occurs in the county regarding the awareness and practices surrounding recycling and waste reduction. According to the 2017 MSW Collected and Recycled by Generator Type Guide, 53% of Pinellas County’s solid waste generated comes from the commercial sector. Understanding what businesses are doing with their waste is crucial in understanding the county’s overall solid waste habits.
HCP Associates utilized a telephonic survey method, ensuring that all industries were accurately represented in the data. HCP Associates concluded the survey with a total of 459 responses from businesses throughout Pinellas County.
Our findings indicate that businesses in the county desire to do the right thing and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the landfill. If county resources were tailored more to convey motivational messages, the result would positively impact business’ waste practices—both recycling and reduction.
The recycling industry is challenged by misinformation and lack of awareness. This research empowers Pinellas County’s Department of Solid Waste to make further ventures in improving commercial recycling services and resources.