During a recent meeting of the Miami-Dade Infrastructure, Innovation & Technology Committee, discussions centered on the county's capacity to manage waste from vacation rentals versus primary residences. The committee explored whether the water and sewer department could effectively measure waste output from individual homes, particularly focusing on distinguishing between vacation and primary residences.

The conversation highlighted the current limitations in the county's waste management system. While the solid waste department has implemented AI technology in its recycling program to identify contamination and track recycling habits, similar capabilities do not yet exist for general waste collection. The department acknowledged that they lack the means to measure the amount of waste produced by individual residences, particularly vacation rentals, which are estimated to number over 900 in the county.

Committee members expressed concern over the fairness of the current waste management fee structure, which charges all residents the same rate regardless of their waste output. This has raised questions about the need for a more equitable system that reflects the actual waste generated by different types of residences.

The committee is considering various options to enhance waste tracking, including potential inspections and the use of AI technology for regular trash collection. The goal is to gather more data on waste production, which could inform future policy changes and improve waste management practices in Miami-Dade County.

As the committee continues to explore these issues, residents can expect further discussions on how to better manage waste from vacation rentals and ensure that the county's waste management system is both efficient and equitable.