Recycling and River Cleanup: Interview With Steve Cushman, President of Keep Wakulla County Beautiful on Nov. 20, 2025

In this important conversation, Doug Apple speaks with Steve Cushman about how the citizens of Wakulla County can take responsibility for the environment, from the products they purchase to what they do with the waste. Cushman highlights two major events organized by Keep Wakulla County Beautiful designed to engage the community and implement positive change. Here are the key takeaways from the discussion: -- Community Recycling Forum: On December 9th, the community center will host a forum bringing together citizens, WastePro, and recycling centers to discuss a path forward for reinstating county-wide recycling after it was discontinued a few months ago. -- The Importance of Responsible Recycling: Contamination is a major hurdle. Throwing household garbage or non-recyclables into the bins makes the entire load cost-prohibitive to sort, sending it all to the landfill. Keep Wakulla County Beautiful is developing a QR-coded sticker with a list of proper materials to educate the public on "recycling responsibly." -- "Splash for Trash" River Cleanup: The annual river cleanup, started by Steve Cushman seven years ago, is happening on Saturday, December 6th. Attendees are encouraged to bring a vessel (canoe, kayak, paddleboard) to help remove trash from the Wakulla River, a vital habitat for endangered manatees. -- Reduction of Waste: The overall focus is on the "reduction of waste and purchasing by consumers." Cushman stresses that consumers are responsible for where products and their packaging end up, emphasizing that personal discipline prevents littering and improper disposal. -- Beyond Trash Pickup: Keep Wakulla County Beautiful also runs educational programs for elementary schools on litter and decomposition, and is currently working on an award-winning beautification project converting Azalea Park into an "edible fruit forest."