State testing finds violations at Collier recycling facility after WINK Investigates exposed community dust concerns

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) - After more than six months of complaints and repeated questions from WINK Investigates, a new state inspection confirms a Collier County recycling facility is violating state regulations.

According to an April 10 inspection by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), dust and particulate matter from the Coastal Waste and Recycling facility on Yahl Street was leaving the property and impacting surrounding areas.

See the full inspection here.

Inspectors documented “unconfined emissions were observed migrating off-site north of the tipping area where trucks were being loaded with material."

That finding directly supports what nearby business owners have been reporting for months, some for years.

The report says the emissions were coming from active operations — including truck loading and heavy equipment activity — without adequate dust control measures.

Inspectors noted that “a bulldozer was loading material without reasonable precaution… no water application was observed, and the particulate matter was migrating off-site.”

The facility is required under state rules to prevent this type of off-site pollution.

According to a DEP spokesperson, they have sent a "Compliance Assistance Offer" to Coastal, outlining the violations that the company must respond to.

One of the most significant findings involved the facility’s dust suppression system.

According to the report, sprinklers along part of the property were not operating due to a broken pipe. Despite the issue, operations were underway until they were halted during the inspection.

Before even entering the site, inspectors documented dust in the surrounding area.

The report notes a “fine layer of particulate matter… on cars along Houchin St, Washington St, and Seward Ave, specifically the side facing the direction of the facility.”

Weather data also supported the finding, with wind conditions consistent with dust traveling off-site.

Additionally, DEP identified an administrative issue related to the facility’s operating name and permit status.

A shift from earlier inspections

The findings mark a significant change from previous inspections.

Earlier this year, DEP told WINK Investigates it had not observed dust leaving the property during site visits — despite ongoing complaints from neighbors.

This latest inspection is the first time the agency has formally documented a violation tied to dust leaving the facility.

Months of complaints from neighbors

WINK Investigates first began reporting on the issue in November.

Neighbors and business owners have repeatedly described dust coating their properties and raising concerns about long-term health impacts.

“I feel like I’ve smoked three packs a day,” said business owner Joseph Barbara back in November.

After learning about the inspection results, Barbara said:

“I believe, my first reaction some relief. It's it's been such a hard battle, feeling that we've been talking to, you know, deaf ears… finding this facility is in violation is absolutely polluting us on the daily… it’s relieving to hear that they've at least made that apparent.”

Still, he says uncertainty remains.

“Yeah, they found them where they are not in compliance. They are polluting the air… what’s the next step? … how do we go from here?”

Other nearby business owners say the report confirms what they’ve experienced for years.

“Finally, you know, finally, something is being done. And I think it's about time,” said Gretchen Rice. “We’re just hopeful that they’ll continue and follow through and actually make them mitigate and do something about the dust that’s affecting all of us.”

The inspection comes after months of reporting by WINK Investigates — including independent testing that found materials like fiberglass in the dust.

See the full test results here.

Barbara says that continued coverage has made a difference.

“I am overwhelmed with the support and just everything that WINK News has done for us… you guys have stuck with this like you're part of our family.”

Coastal Waste and Recycling responds

In a statement to WINK Investigates, Coastal Waste and Recycling said it is taking the findings seriously and has already begun making changes.

A spokesperson for the company wrote via email, "We take the Department of Environmental Protection’s findings seriously and have been working proactively to address the issues identified. Even prior to the inspection, we had already begun implementing aggressive measures to reduce dust migration, including the addition of water cannons, more frequent street sweeping, enhanced screening systems, and perimeter buffers."

The statement went on to say, "These efforts are part of a broader, comprehensive dust control plan we are continuing to refine in coordination with the state. We are also addressing the administrative permitting matter noted in the report."

"Our focus is on operating responsibly, minimizing any off-site impacts, and ensuring full compliance with all state requirements. We remain committed to being a good neighbor and will continue making improvements to our operations," the spokesperson said.

State orders fixes, but no word on penalties.

As a result of the inspection, DEP is requiring the facility to:

Repair its dust control systems, including sprinklers
Provide documentation showing when repairs are completed
Develop a comprehensive dust control plan to prevent future violations

The report does not mention fines or enforcement penalties.

WINK Investigates has reached out to DEP to clarify whether additional action will be taken. At this time, a DEP spokesperson says fines are unclear at this time.

What’s next

For neighbors, the findings are a step forward — but not the end of the fight.

“We’re not going anywhere… we as a community are going to stay here, and we’re going to fight for our rights,” Barbara said.

Residents say they will continue pushing for enforcement — and watching closely to see whether conditions improve.