Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Inverness Goes Green

In 2007, the City adopted a Green Local Government resolution developed by the Florida Green Building Coalition. Adopting this resolution commits Inverness to a more aggressive approach with respect to public operations and regulations, promoting environmental stewardship practices which consider local energy security, protect natural resources and make development sustainable.

To complement the resolution, the City Council approved a Comprehensive Plan containing two major components which will further efforts by Inverness to reduce demand on resources. The first component which is well underway, develops a citywide bicycle master plan, expanding and linking our existing recreational system to one which supports daily transport for work or play. The second focus is to grow the City by means of redevelopment and urban infill versus merely extending City limit lines to accommodate growth.

Recycling

Curbside recycling

Single stream recycling was instituted May, 2013 for residential customers. The recycling carts are green with yellow lids. Recycling days are Wednesday along with Yard Waste pick up; two separate trucks will be used to pick up recycling and yard waste. At this time, the City does not pick up glass or plastic bags as part of the recycling program.

Compacting Stations

Solar-powered stations that can accommodate bottles, cans and paper recyclables on one side, as well as non-recyclable waste on the other have been placed in the downtown area. Because of the compacting mechanism, the stations hold 5 times the amount of waste as a normal trash can. The units are made in the USA, constructed of recycled aluminum and recycled plastic. Protective hockey glass covers the solar collectors and the internal workings powered by a motorcycle battery and a Harley Davidson chain.

Reclaiming & Monitoring Water

By far the largest financial undertaking in the City's history was the upgrade of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, allowing transmission of reclaimed water. The upgraded facility, renamed Water Reclamation Facility to better describe its increased function, can transform 1.5 million gallons of wastewater each day to a product suitable for irrigation purposes. A 3.1 mile transmission line delivers the end product to the Inverness Golf & Country Club, thereby lessening the dependence on fresh water wells for irrigation.

Irrigation Audits

City irrigation systems are monitored regularly for leaks, as well as verifying irrigation time is adequate, yet not extensive, for existing landscape. While performing the audit, rain sensors are checked to ensure they are functioning properly.

Water Use Analysis

A new water meter technology allows usage information by account, allowing analysis of water use patterns for spikes indicating leaks.

Other Protective Measures

Technology Virtualization

How data is stored in our computers allows the City of Inverness to reduce electric consumption by 2600 watts per hour! How is this possible? The word is Virtualization, which is described as a technique of moving data between storage areas or media to create the impression that a computer has a storage capacity greater than it actually has. 

Tree City

An easy and natural way to help clear the air is to plant a tree. Not only does the tree improve the quality of the air we breathe, it also increases the aesthetic appeal of a home and can increase property value. Depending on the location of the tree, it may also reduce cooling and heating bills. The City of Inverness is proud to be recognized as a Tree City by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service.