Victoria Durand - Internship at Hillsborough County Solid Waste

Student: Victoria Durand

Concentration: Sustainability Policy

Introduction:
Victoria Durand is pursuing a Master’s degree in Global Sustainability with a concentration in Sustainability Policy at the University of South Florida. In the Spring of 2025, she conducted an internship benchmarking mandatory commercial recycling programs across Florida, developing a feasibility study focused on how such a program could be implemented in Hillsborough County. Her work explored how policy can create meaningful environmental change and addressed one critical question: how successful recycling mandates in other counties could inform Hillsborough County’s approach.

Location: Hillsborough County – Solid Waste Department

1. Mandatory Commercial Recycling Feasibility Study – Hillsborough County.
   • Victoria examined the county’s current waste challenges, including more than 1.2 million tons of yearly waste, a landfill nearing capacity, and added strain from hurricanes. She evaluated how a mandate could support waste diversion, extend landfill life, reduce emissions, and align with existing climate and solid waste master plans.
     
     
   • Key Responsibilities:
     • Interviewed professionals from Solid Waste Management departments to understand challenges, benefits, and implementation lessons.
     • Benchmarked commercial recycling programs in multiple Florida counties.
     • Identified policy approaches that emphasize environmental benefits, transparency, education, and stakeholder involvement.
       
       
   • Key Recommendations
     • Start with large businesses and multifamily properties that are more likely to already have recycling infrastructure.
     • Educate early on why the program matters, including public-health and environmental benefits.
     • Communicate clear expectations and timelines to businesses and property managers.
     • Address space limitations for recycling containers, particularly at multifamily properties.
     • Be transparent about the mandate’s purpose, not only what is required, but why it is necessary.
     • Engage stakeholders early and keep communication active throughout the process.
     • Support proposals with research and local data, and invite the public to participate through meetings and discussion forums.

Impact:
Victoria’s research produced actionable, county-specific recommendations that support stronger recycling policy, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability planning. The project allowed her to connect her passion for policy with meaningful real-world outcomes allowing her to contribute ideas that could help create a greener and more resilient Hillsborough County.