In Section 403.71851, F.S., entitled "Electronic recycling grants," the 2001 Florida legislature authorized the Department to utilize certain grant funds “to Florida-based businesses with 5 or more years' experience in electronics recycling . . . for demonstration projects with one or more counties for countywide comprehensive electronics recycling . . . that provides service to the private sector, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and the residential sector. ” In May 2001 a $200,000 grant was awarded to Creative Recycling Systems, Inc. (Tampa, FL).

This countywide comprehensive electronics recycling demonstration project initially focused on Orange County and selected adjacent and nearby counties. The 3 ½ year project expanded to eventually include 9 counties as opportunities presented themselves. Service offerings were tailored to the needs of each county and leveraged existing infrastructure and programs to the greatest extent possible. The project targeted both household and business users of electronic equipment. Many of the services that were developed during the project have continued on after the project ended.  A report [17 MB] details the activities, results, and lessons learned.