Commissioner outlines efforts to legalize composting amid regulatory challenges

Efforts to Legalize Composting in Miami-Dade County Gain Momentum

In a passionate address during the Miami-Dade County Infrastructure, Innovation & Technology Committee meeting on July 7, 2025, a local commissioner highlighted the ongoing struggle to legalize composting in the area. The commissioner emphasized that despite misconceptions circulating on social media, significant progress is being made toward establishing a legal framework for composting.

"I have been working to try to make composting legal for nearly a year now," the commissioner stated, underscoring the complexity of the issue. Currently, composting activities are occurring outside the law, and the commissioner is collaborating with various stakeholders, including the Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) and solid waste officials, to create pilot projects that would allow composters to operate legally without being shut down.

The commissioner noted that the legal framework must address environmental concerns, particularly the risk of contaminating groundwater, while also considering financial obligations related to solid waste bonds. "We have finally gotten that ruling from our bond council that allows us to compost to a certain amount," the commissioner explained, indicating that a composting permit could be finalized by September.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of service reductions in waste management, with officials clarifying that cutting back on waste pickups does not equate to a straightforward reduction in costs or services. The complexities of managing waste services were highlighted, emphasizing the need for careful planning as the county navigates these changes.

As Miami-Dade County moves closer to potentially legalizing composting, the commissioner reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the process is safe and environmentally responsible, aiming to increase composting efforts rather than diminish them. The anticipated developments in the coming months could pave the way for a more sustainable waste management approach in the region.