Miami-Dade Commission Committee of the Whole on Solid Waste Management - January 28, 2025

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners met as a Committee of the Whole on January 28, 2025, to discuss the county's solid waste management future. The meeting featured a presentation from the administration, extensive commissioner questions, and consideration of 15 agenda items covering topics from landfill capacity and waste-to-energy facilities to recycling programs and interlocal agreements. No formal votes were taken; all items were directed to committee for further public hearing and debate.

Discussion Items

• Administration Presentation (Items 2A & 2B): Mayor Danielle Levine Cava and Solid Waste Management Director Anisha Daniel presented an update on solid waste challenges and options. The mayor recommended continuing to use contracted long-haul trucking and rail to landfills, citing high costs and delays for a new waste-to-energy facility. She emphasized protecting ratepayers and fiscal health. The presentation covered current system state, challenges (increasing waste generation – 5 million tons/year, twice the national average; loss of the waste-to-energy plant in 2023; landfills reaching capacity in 4–5 years), and three options: build an out-of-county landfill, continue contractor capacity, or build a waste-to-energy facility. Cost estimates for waste-to-energy ranged from $1.5–$1.9 billion capital with $59–$87 million annual operating costs; contractor capacity was estimated at $74/ton with no capital cost.
• Commissioner Questions & Concerns: Many commissioners expressed frustration with shifting administration recommendations and lack of consistent data. Commissioner Gilbert criticized the financial forecast slide for assuming insufficient fee increases, calling it “bad government.” Commissioners McGee, Regalado, Higgins, and others noted the administration previously touted waste-to-energy as better for the environment and cost-effective, yet now recommended landfilling. Commissioner Higgins highlighted that landfills emit methane, a super-pollutant, and that alternatives exist. Commissioner Garcia asked about cost-per-ton comparisons, but administration said waste-to-energy costs are planning-level estimates with risks due to expected legal challenges. Commissioner Cohen Higgins questioned the administration's reliance on contracted capacity when no new landfill has been permitted in Florida since 2011. Commissioner Bastien called for a comprehensive vision and not just piecemeal decisions.
• Item 2C: Resolution directing the mayor to assess landfill capacity and viability of expansion. Sponsor Commissioner Bermudez said the county needs clear numbers. An amendment was accepted to provide the report within two weeks and include municipal cost impacts.
• Items 2D & 2E: Two resolutions on site selection for a waste-to-energy facility (sponsored by Commissioners Bermudez and Gilbert). Commissioner Gilbert stated he has no preferred site but noted the board’s prior policy of requiring a TIFF (tax increment financing) from Doral if sited elsewhere. Commissioner Regalado argued for monetizing county assets and using TIFF from Doral to fund the department. Commissioner Bermudez stressed that any TIFF should be equitable. Both items were advanced to committee.
• Item 2F: Resolution approving a $15 million professional engineering services contract with Ardura Group for the waste facility complex. Sponsor Vice Chair McGee said it was routine and self-explanatory.
• Item 2G: Resolution directing development of tire and mattress recycling. Sponsor Regalado noted tires and mattresses are major illegal dumping items. She accepted an amendment from Commissioner Cohen Higgins to require cost analysis.
• Item 2H: Resolution directing a closed-loop recycling plan for Miami-Dade Aviation Department and PortMiami. Sponsor Regalado said the airport and port are ideal for pilot programs. She accepted an amendment from Commissioner Cohen Higgins to include composting.
• Item 2I: Resolution to evaluate methane gas extraction from landfills. Sponsor Regalado argued it would provide an additional tool for the waste portfolio. She accepted amendments to include Medley landfill’s methane project and to gather cost and permitting details from other successful projects (e.g., Vero Beach).
• Item 2J: Resolution to expand cardboard drop-off to all 13 recycling centers year-round and add seasonal sites. Sponsor Regalado said cardboard is currently valuable for recycling but residents lack convenient drop-off. Commissioner Cohen Higgins requested a cost analysis amendment, which was accepted.
• Item 2K: Resolution to evaluate purchasing land outside the county near a rail line for landfill/composting. Sponsor Regalado explained that Florida’s geology (porous limestone over aquifer) limits in-county waste disposal, so out-of-county options are needed. She accepted an amendment from Commissioner Bermudez to coordinate with FECR negotiations for commuter rail benefits.
• Item 2L: Resolution to explore multiple railroad corridors for solid waste and freight transport. Sponsor Regalado said it provides redundancy and reduces truck traffic. Commissioner Bermudez added an amendment to coordinate with FECR negotiations.
• Item 2M: Resolution approving an amended interlocal agreement with the City of South Miami for use of the county solid waste system. Sponsor Regalado and South Miami Mayor Javier Fernandez spoke in favor, stating it allows South Miami to reduce costs by developing a facility on a rail line. The item was supported.
• Item 2N (Walk-on): Resolution directing review of the solid waste bond ordinance to restructure or reformulate, including defeasance. Sponsor Regalado said it is needed to consider alternative revenue sources like TIFF.
• Item 2O (Walk-on): Resolution directing the design criteria professional for the new waste-to-energy facility to provide specific information, including P3 options. Sponsor Regalado noted the county is already paying the contractor and needs clear answers.

Key Outcomes

• No votes taken on any item; all were directed to the appropriate committee for further public hearing and full board consideration, likely in February 2025.
• Item 2C was amended to require a report within two weeks (by ~February 11) on landfill capacity and cost analysis, including municipal impact.
• Items 2G, 2H, 2I, 2J, 2K, 2L were amended as noted and will move to committee with those modifications.
• The administration’s recommendation to rely on contracted landfill capacity was not adopted or rejected; the board will continue discussion in committee.
• Commissioner Regalado indicated she may draft additional items related to waste from other county departments (parks, water and sewer) by Wednesday to include in the committee agenda.
• Commissioner Cohen Higgins announced she will bring county code changes for composting on February 4 (first reading) with final consideration in March.
• The chair emphasized that all items will have public hearing opportunities at committee meetings before returning to the full board.