PB PERS Solid Waste Authority

Talked with Willie Puz, Manager of Legislature and Public Affairs, Solid Waste Authority (SWA). The SWA is a governmental entity that is charged with providing economical and environmentally conscious integrated solid waste management system for Palm Beach County. They were ranked number two in the state in 2021 by Department of Environmental Protection. Their recycling component recycles about 100,000 tons of curbside recyclables each year keeping it out of the landfill. This has allowed them to extend the longevity of the current landfill until 2054 instead of closing it in 2011 and allowing time to site another location for future needs. SWA has a campaign to alert customers about the danger of Lithium Ion batteries. They are highly flammable and cannot go in the regular trash. Customers need to drop them off at one of the 7 HCRC (Home Chemical adn Recycling Centers) in the county. They also take motor oil, cooking oil, regular batteries, paint, electronics, and listeners can find a complete list on the website: www.swa.org. They can also request new yellow/blue recycling bins and see a list of what items can be put in those curbside bins. They also have educational programs for middle schoolers and teachers. In addition, SWA is working with community events for their "recycle right" program. Listeners can sign up online at www.swa.org