What started as a passionate volunteer effort continues to thrive because it reflects hope — hope that we can choose better ways to use and value resources. Through education, reuse, repair, recycling, and community action, we continue to work toward a future where less is wasted and more is preserved.
Here is a recap of our story, as published on Viera Voice this past March.
“Where does garbage go?” my six-year-old daughter asked one day as a garbage truck rumbled past us.
That simple question led us on a landfill tour — and to a turning point. It was there that I learned our recycling rate was only 30% at the time. I was enrolled in a Community Involvement class at Brevard Community College (now Eastern Florida State College), where Dr. Erin Baird challenged us to look around, identify a need and take action to improve our community.
A light bulb went on.
If we wanted more people to recycle — and to understand what to recycle, how to recycle and why it matters — we needed to make information easy to find and easy to understand. Recycle Brevard began simply as a Facebook page and a blog.
After years of volunteering with various organizations throughout the community, it was time to take the next step. Recycle Brevard officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a clear mission: to make the 3Rs — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — accessible, practical and a welcome habit for everyone. By doing so, we could, together, divert more waste from landfills, prevent pollution and protect wildlife and natural resources.
Fast forward 15 years.
Thanks to dedicated volunteers, strong community partnerships and generous supporters, Recycle Brevard has grown into a nonprofit, 100% run by volunteers and 100% funded by donations with an office and bazaar in Cocoa Village (270 Brevard Ave.).
Today, we help recycle hard-to-recycle items such as pens and markers, coffee capsules, plastic utensils, single-use batteries, VHS tapes, electronics and more. We work to reduce waste, encourage reuse and promote sustainable living across Brevard County.
Through the years, Recycle Brevard has supported positive environmental initiatives, including advocating for the replacement of styrofoam trays in schools, reducing styrofoam containers in parks and implementing sharing tables in schools to prevent food waste — to name a few.
Education and access remain at the heart of what we do. Through presentations to community groups, community events, discussion courses and online eco challenges via Ecochallenge.org, we answer questions and help residents build sustainable habits. We distribute reusable materials to teachers through Recycle Brevard Gives Back, and educators can sign up for the Supply Hub at RecycleBrevard.org to receive a list of available materials.
We also provide reusable materials directly to residents through Recycle Brevard Connect, in partnership with our local libraries. Scheduled dates and locations are posted on social media as well as the website, on the Events page.
For those who want to recycle more, Recycle Brevard’s Recycling Club membership and one-time recyclers programs offer expanded options for responsible disposal. Besides offering more recycling options, the membership is a good way to support and help us continue our mission. To learn more and join, check out RecycleBrevard.org.
As we celebrate 15 years of service, we are deeply grateful for the volunteers, partners and supporters who have made this journey possible. Without you, there would be no Recycle Brevard.
Here’s to 15 years of impact — and to 15 more, Brevard!
Recycle
Brevard is an independent non-profit organization 100% run by volunteers
focused on reducing waste and promoting sustainable living.
