The Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners convened on January 28, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the county's solid waste management system, including the construction of new landfills and the financial implications of current operations.

The meeting began with a detailed presentation on the estimated capital and operating costs associated with constructing a new landfill. The projected capital cost for a landfill of significant size is approximately $556 million, which encompasses land acquisition, environmental assessments, infrastructure development, and essential systems installation. Additionally, the annual operating cost is estimated at $163 million, factoring in waste transportation, host fees, and operational contracts.

Commissioners were informed of the challenges posed by public opposition to new landfill developments, often referred to as the NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) effect. This opposition can lead to delays and increased costs, complicating the planning process for new waste management facilities.

Three options for waste management were presented. The first option involves continuing to utilize contracted landfill capacity, which has seen a significant increase from 39% to 71% of waste being sent to contracted landfills since the closure of the R and RF facility. The second option discussed was the establishment of waste-to-energy facilities, with various sites evaluated for their physical, economic, and environmental impacts.

The presentation highlighted several potential sites for new facilities, including Airport West, the current 58th Street site, and others, each with varying capital and operating costs, as well as timelines for development. For instance, the Airport West site has a capital cost of $1.8 billion and an estimated operational cost of $81 million annually, with a projected construction timeline of over nine years.

The financial position of the solid waste system was also a focal point of the meeting. Current revenues and expenditures were reviewed, revealing a significant reliance on carryover funds to cover operational gaps. The commissioners expressed concerns regarding the sustainability of the current fee structure, which has not kept pace with rising operational costs. The discussion emphasized the need for a comprehensive funding strategy, including potential fee increases or alternative funding mechanisms such as public-private partnerships.

As the meeting progressed, several commissioners raised questions about the assumptions underlying the financial forecasts, particularly regarding the anticipated increases in fees and the impact of inflation on operational costs. The need for a transparent and accountable approach to setting rates that accurately reflect the cost of services was underscored.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the pressing need for Miami-Dade County to address its solid waste management challenges through strategic planning, community engagement, and a robust financial framework to ensure the sustainability of its waste management system. The commissioners agreed to further explore the proposed options and develop a comprehensive plan moving forward.