DEP Press Release:

TALLAHASSEE –

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Easy As One campaign held its first regional collection event this weekend in Tallahassee at the Downtown MarketPlace.

At the event, 300 pounds of paper was shredded and recycled by Shred-It; more than 2,400 retail plastic bags were collected and recycled; and 50 used cell phones and 65 chargers were collected and donated to the Big Bend Victim Assistance Coalition.

“This collection event showed how easy it is to make a difference with one action,” said DEP Deputy Secretary Mimi Drew. “Not only were thousands of plastic bags and hundreds of pounds of paper removed from the waste stream and recycled properly, but a charitable organization will benefit from the donation of unwanted cell phones.”

People who brought 15 or more bags for recycling received a reusable shopping bag donated by Winn-Dixie, CVS or Wal-Mart. Those who donated a cell phone or charger or brought paper for recycling received a day pass to any Florida State Park.

Those who missed the event can still recycle cell phones, plastic retail bags and paper locally. Used cell phones may be taken to the Tallahassee Police Department where they are either recycled or refurbished and distributed to the Big Bend Victim Assistance Coalition and Refuge House.

Many retail grocery stores have implemented plastic bag recycling programs to make recycling easy for their shoppers. To find a plastic bag recycling location, go to www.abagslife.com. Visit www.Earth911.com for information on recycling paper and many other items such as computer monitors, toner cartridges and televisions.

Easy As One - Ordinary actions. Extraordinary results. is an environmental awareness campaign by DEP that highlights easy actions each one of us can take to make sustainable practices part of our daily lives at home, at school, at work and at play. As the lead agency in state government for environmental management and stewardship, DEP encourages citizens to adopt green habits that protect Florida’s air and water quality, conserve water and reduce waste. A sustainable Florida depends on the collective efforts of citizens, groups, businesses, industry and government.

Images from the event are on the Easy As One blog, www.dep.state.fl.us/EasyAsOne, or available upon request. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EasyAsOne.