Commission directs 120-day study of all solid-waste options, including waste-to-energy and landfills

The Miami-Dade County Commission on Monday directed the mayor’s office to pursue a comprehensive review of solid-waste disposal options and return with detailed proposals and financial analyses within 120 days.

The motion (item 11a19) — amended on the floor to explicitly include previously passed waste items — instructs administration staff to evaluate waste-to-energy facilities, landfilling options (including out-of-county alternatives), public–private partnership models and other strategies such as expanded recycling and composting. Commissioners also asked the administration to solicit proposals from private-sector partners and to assemble quantified comparisons so the board can consider trade-offs between capital costs, long-term operating expense and environmental considerations.

The discussion on the item was lengthy and at times sharp, with speakers on the dais and in the audience urging urgency. Commissioner Kevin Cabrera — the item sponsor — said the directive is meant to assemble “all the options” and avoid repeated deferrals: “Bring us the options, then let us discuss it.” Commissioner Christine Cohen Higgins and others warned that some private partners indicated they cannot price proposals without a site; the board directed the administration to begin outreach promptly and not wait until the 120-day window to share interim materials. The commission also signaled intent to hold a special or regular meeting in July to consider the administration’s package and, if necessary, take final action.

The motion passed on a voice vote as amended. Commissioners said they will expect timely submissions and five business days of review time before any decisive vote; the chair said he will schedule a July meeting to consider the materials. Several commissioners and members of the public stressed the need to retain outside technical expertise to help evaluate complex proposals.