A visit to the Lee County Waste Management & Recycling Center

On March 27, 2013, We had the opportunity to visit the Lee County Waste Management &
Recycling Center. This place is an example of  state-of-the art technology being used towards the goal of sustainable living. The recycling center, uses a single stream recycling system that categorizes different materials and separates them to be recycled.  This system can process 30 tons an hour of materials and is currently investing in newer technology to be able to be more efficient and productive.

High tech systems and operators work every day

Here is a section of the single stream process

What is remarkable about this place is that it generates profit and has become the #1 recycling center in FL and could be the most efficient in the US. The waste management also generates electricity by mass-burning waste at temperatures above 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of the electricity that is used in Fort Myers comes from this plant. The plant is also self-sustainable, using its own generated electricity and the remaining 95 percent being sold for use. Both the recycling and waste-electricity generator are supervised and operated by state-of-the-art technology and well paid operators that focus on safety, and efficiency.

That's me 

A truck sends trash to be transformed into energy

One of the things that surprised me is that this system with is self sustainable, healthier for the environment, less costly in the long run, and profitable could be used across many municipalities but it is not. Our guide explained that part of the reason this happens is because people and governments are uneducated about the benefits that a system such as Lee county's can yield. He explained that the general perception is that their system just burns trash and that it is more costly to do so than using a landfill to dispose trash. By mixing technology and effort, it is possible to make trash into a valuable resource, achieving the ultimate goal of sustainability.

Visiting the Lee County Waste Management & Recycling Center made me realize the importance of education specifically when it comes to environmental sustainability. There are many misconceptions and lack of knowledge in general about ways to achieve sustainability. By cities not copying this system, it is clear that there is a long journey to teach governments and the public in general the importance of sustainability and also that engaging in such practices can be both efficient for the environment and profitable at the same time.