Inspired after watching people toss cans and bottles into trash cans at Hemming Park, two local attorneys have signed up to sponsor Downtown’s first public recycling program.
Diana Johnson and Michael Lufrano of Johnson & Lufrano P.A. attended the park’s Thursday evening beer garden and other events at Hemming and wondered why recycling wasn’t an option.
“Our law firm is Downtown and we’re passionate about making it a better place. We decided there’s no reason we can’t recycle,” said Lufrano.
After a meeting with Friends of Hemming Park, the nonprofit contracted by the city to manage the one square block of public space, the law partners agreed to sponsor installation of collection containers and weekly pickups by Republic Services.
After Jan. 1, four bright blue receptacles will be placed around the park to collect empty bottles and cans.
“There are more events all the time and more people are coming to the park. It’s a small investment and every little bit we can do makes Jacksonville better,” Lufrano said.
People who live Downtown have been recycling for years.
At The Carling and 11 E. Forsyth, large bins are provided for residents to deposit recyclable materials.
At The Plaza Condominium at Berkman Plaza and Marina, the recycling movement was adopted by the homeowners association about five years ago, said Andrew Beaudoin, association representative.
Bins are placed on each floor for residents to deposit cans and paper.
The maintenance staff empties the bins daily and consolidates the materials for pickup along with the building’s trash.
Beaudoin said in addition to helping preserve the environment and resources, recycling has yielded an economic benefit for the association.
“The additional cost for picking up the recycles is more than paid for by reducing the cost to remove the trash,” said Beaudoin. “For us, it works out well.”
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