Miami-Dade County approves resolution to eliminate single-use plastics and styrofoam at County facilities

Earlier today, the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners voted in favor of a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Eileen Higgins to eliminate single-use plastics and styrofoam at Miami-Dade County facilities like Miami International airport, PortMiami and County offices. 

“Today’s passage of legislation to significantly reduce single-use plastics is a major step forward to protect Biscayne Bay and our environment with sensible policies that our businesses and residents can embrace,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “Miami-Dade produces over 5 million tons of waste annually and I commend Commissioner Eileen Higgins and the Board of Commissioners for taking this significant step towards increasing reuse, as we work hard to reduce our overall waste production.” 

“I’m proud of the bold action taken today by the Board of County Commissioners in passing my legislation to eliminate single-use plastics and styrofoam from County operations,” said Commissioner Eileen Higgins. “The message to our residents is clear. Miami-Dade County is prioritizing our residents’ health, protecting our precious wildlife, eliminating trash, and preserving our natural resources like Biscayne Bay. I look forward to working with Mayor Levine Cava and county vendors to begin this transition to sustainable products that will pave the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future for Miami-Dade.”

Single-use plastics are not indefinitely recyclable and do not lend themselves to reuse in the same way as other durable products. Moving away from single-use plastics reduces the impacts of plastic pollution on the environment and in our waterways. The legislation also aligns County operations with the County’s voluntary PlasticFree305 program.