Miami-Dade Department of Solid Waste Management continues public workshops for the Zero Waste Master Plan

The Miami-Dade Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) will host a series of public workshops, both in-person and virtual, from January 13 through February 18, 2026, led by the consulting firm WSP. These workshops strive to gather community input that will help shape the County’s forthcoming Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP). These workshops build on the first round of public meetings launched in Fall 2025, ensuring ongoing engagement and participation from residents across the County.

The ZWMP, which began development in Spring 2025, is a comprehensive roadmap designed to reduce disposal dependency, expand waste diversion, and advance a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the community. It will identify the policies, programs, and infrastructure needed to significantly reduce waste disposal and expand sustainable practices throughout Miami-Dade County. Key areas of focus include organic waste processing and composting, food recovery, expanded recycling opportunities, construction and demolition diversion, and strengthened community education to reduce waste generation.

“Creating a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Miami-Dade is a shared responsibility, and our Zero Waste Master Plan provides a roadmap to get us there,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “These workshops give residents a direct role in shaping the policies and programs that will define our environmental future. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable Miami-Dade that can be enjoyed for generations to come. Let’s work together to reduce what we throw away: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle!”

The ZWMP’s goals are ambitious yet achievable: divert as much waste as possible from disposal, encourage sustainable practices, and guide Miami-Dade’s transition to Zero Waste through collaboration with municipalities, partner organizations, and residents. WSP was awarded the ZWMP contract in 2024 and is leading the technical analysis and planning in partnership with DSWM.

Public involvement is an essential component of the ZWMP. Each workshop offers residents a chance to share ideas, express priorities, and help shape a cleaner, greener future for Miami-Dade County. Feedback gathered during these meetings will help inform the plan, expected for completion in Summer 2026.

“This effort represents one of the most important planning initiatives in our department’s history,” said DSWM Director Aneisha Daniel, PhD. “By listening to our residents and working closely with our municipal and community partners, we are designing a Zero Waste strategy that is realistic, innovative, and built for long-term success.”

As community participation is vital to the success of the ZWMP, we invite all residents to complete the ZWMP survey and contribute directly to the development of Miami-Dade’s zero waste future. Access the survey here: Miami-Dade County Zero Waste Master Plan Community Survey.

Below is the schedule for the upcoming public workshops: 

Workshop 1 (In-person) 
Date: January 13
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m., Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Naranja Branch Library - 14850 SW 280th St, Homestead, FL 33032

Workshop 2 (Virtual)
Date: January 20
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Platform/Registration: Zoom (Registration link here) 

Workshop 3 (Virtual)
Date: February 2
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Platform/Registration: Zoom (Registration link here)

Workshop 4 (In-person)
Date: February 11
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m., Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Hialeah JFK Library - 190 W 49th St, Hialeah, FL 33012 

Workshop 5 (In-person)
Date: February 18
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m., Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Coral Gables Branch Library – 3443 Segovia St, Coral Gables, FL 33134 

About the Miami-Dade Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM): The DSWM provides curbside waste and recycling collection services to more than 350,000 households in unincorporated Miami-Dade County and ten municipalities, including Aventura, Cutler Bay, Doral, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, Opa-locka, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Sunny Isles Beach and Sweetwater. For additional details about DSWM, please visit www.miamidade.gov/solidwaste