Recycling coordinator says Key West contamination rate has fallen to 14.9%; compost pilots underway

Keely Kessler, the city’s recycling coordinator, updated the City Commission on Aug. 6 on progress implementing the 2012 solid‑waste master plan and follow‑on strategic goals. Kessler reported a current contamination rate of 14.9%, down from roughly 23% in 2023 and better than the 25–30% state average. She said the city has moved recycling bins out of high‑traffic areas to reduce contamination and expanded non‑blue‑bin programs for hard‑to‑recycle materials.

Kessler described pilot programs with two restaurants, one for food scraps and another for oyster shells, and said volunteers and the Botanical Garden Compost Village are expanding collection capacity (including a new 24‑hour food‑scrap drop‑off). She also listed recent collection totals: more than 15,000 pounds of oyster shells since February, 500 pounds of holiday lights last season, and thousands of cigarette butts removed from streets. Commissioners asked about whether commercial recycling contributions (e.g., Winn‑Dixie or Publix soft‑plastic drop boxes) are captured in city metrics; Kessler said some commercial programs are for internal corporate streams and are not always reported to the city, so those numbers are not included in the city’s contracted totals.

Kessler urged residents and businesses to “purchase wisely, reduce your use, and use what we can.” She told the commission the city’s strategy going forward is outreach, targeted programs, and thinking about product end‑life when buying. Commissioners directed staff to consider incentives and options for increased commercial participation.