Florida Legislature 2005 (click for ongoing coverage)

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Bill may allow expansion of Pasco trash incinerator

By Times Staff Writer
Published May 6, 2005

State legislators passed a bill Thursday that would make it easier for Pasco County to get the permits to expand the overflowing garbage incinerator in Shady Hills.

Previously, the state required counties to recycle at least 30 percent of their waste streams before getting an incinerator permit from the Department of Environmental Protection. The new bill, which awaits Gov. Jeb Bush's signature, simply requires counties to have a recycling program that aims for that 30 percent goal.

That would clear the way for Pasco County, which had a recycling rate of 26 percent in 2002, the latest year figures were available, lobbyist Joe Mannion said. "It's a step in the right direction, for sure," said Bruce Kennedy, assistant county administrator for utilities.

[Last modified May 6, 2005, 00:38:16]