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COVER MEMO FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT � DIRECTIVE NO. 250538

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Date:

To: Honorable Chairman Anthony Rodriguez
and Members, Board of County Commissioners

From: Daniella Levine Cava
Mayor

Subject: Cover Memo for the Comprehensive Report
on Solid Waste Management � Directive
No. 250538

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Executive Summary
On February 19, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners (Board) approved Resolution No. R-198-25 ("Resolution"), sponsored by Chairman Anthony Rodriguez and Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, which was amended to include all solid waste items passed by the Board in the previous 45 days as part of the comprehensive analysis and to extend the 90-day timeline to 120 days for consistency with other related items at the administration's request.

This comprehensive report contains a full review and analysis involving industry experts from all available sectors of waste management to further explore the feasibility of constructing a new waste-to-energy (WTE) facility, as well as reports addressing the directives presented at the Committee of the Whole on January 28th and the February 19th Board meetings (detailed below).

During the process of compiling this report, staff went to great lengths to receive as much input as possible from industry sources, as directed by the Board. This effort, which follows months of previous analysis and review of all possible options for the future of our waste system, reinforced our understanding that there simply is no easy solution when it comes to waste management. As Mayor, my objective is to always deliver critical, quality services to our residents in a financially and environmentally responsible and efficient way. We recognize the need to manage the loss of the Resource Recovery Facility (RRF) to ensure we can continue to meet our growing community�s waste disposal needs, as well as the need for a solution that integrates into a broader Zero Waste strategy as we seek to reduce our overall waste output. At the same time, it is critical that any options we pursue do not create an undue burden to our ratepayers, particularly at a time of mounting pressures on the County�s resources.

It is important to point out that despite staff�s repeated efforts to follow up with industry respondents to receive specific answers to key information, no firms that responded regarding WTE solutions provided specific siting details or offered their own property details to implement their waste solutions. Several firms suggested to utilize County provided properties with lease arrangements. In various categories, despite repeated follow-up, respondents did not provide specific cost information.

After compiling this report, the administration�s recommendation remains the same as that outlined in the latest January 2025 report regarding site selection for a solid waste campus: that we continue to long-haul waste via truck and rail using our contracted capacity, while we continue exploring options to build a landfill outside of Miami-Dade County.

Summary of the Package Contents
Resolution No. R-198-25 directed the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee to do the following:

1. Undertake a comprehensive review and analysis involving industry experts from all available sectors of waste management to further explore the feasibility of constructing a new WTE facility; solicit information and technical advice from waste management industry experts on the best available delivery options and recommended procurement approaches for the design, construction, operation and/or maintenance of a new WTE facility for the County including but not limited to: (1) traditional government procurement methods such as design-build solicitations; (2) Public-Private Partnership (P3) agreements; and (3) utilizing unsolicited proposals to determine which approach is the most cost and time efficient for the delivery of a WTE facility; not limit its comprehensive analysis to already-identified potential sites or locations nor to assumptions as to the size and capacity of the WTE facility; explore all available options with waste management industry experts including but not limited to constructing a larger regional WTE facility with other local governments or the State of Florida or building a smaller facility combined with utilizing other waste disposal methods such as landfills or hauling waste; explore with waste management industry experts all waste disposal methods the Board has directed the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee to analyze in items passed by the Board within the last 45 days; explore and analyze available funding sources and technologies, including P3s, federal tax credits, and federal and state grants, to contribute to or defray the costs of the County�s solid waste system including any construction, operation and maintenance costs associated with a solid waste campus, WTE facility, or landfill expansion.

2. Maximize input from industry sources and to disclose to the Board all efforts made to maximize such input, identify all industry sources from which information and recommendations were received, and disclose all recommendations from industry sources; ask waste management industry experts to address the challenges identified by the County Mayor in her January 2025 Report in building a new WTE facility.

3. Prepare a written report addressing all the directives set forth in this resolution. The County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee shall submit and place on an agenda of the full Board without committee review pursuant to Rule 5.06(j) of the Board�s Rules of Procedure. To the extent that the Board had previously directed the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee in Board items passed within the last 45 days to prepare and submit reports to the Board on waste disposal options, such directive reports shall be consolidated into the report and information due within 120 days pursuant to this resolution.

The following reports addressing the directives presented at the Committee of the Whole on January 28th and the February 19th Board meetings are attached for reference as follows:

(1) Directive No. 250538 (Resolution No. R-198-25) ��Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Waste Management Strategies (Co-Prime Sponsors: Chairman Rodriguez and Commissioner Bermudez)

(2) Directive�No. 250174�(Resolution�No. R-190-25) ��Report to Request and Receive Certain Information from the Design Criteria Professional (Sponsor: Commissioner Regalado)

(3)�Directive�No. 250299�(Resolution�No. R-196-25) - Report to Assess and Evaluate the County�s Landfill Capacity (Sponsor: Commissioner Bermudez)
(4) Directive�No. 250195�(Resolution�No. R-191-25) -�Report on the Feasibility of Expanding Cardboard Recycling at Trash and Recycling Centers and Establishing Seasonal Cardboard Disposal Program (Sponsor: Commissioner Regalado)

(5) Directive�No: 250208�(Resolution�No. R-192-25) � Report on Evaluating Legally Viable Options for the Purchase of Suitable Sized Land Outside of Miami-Dade County�(Sponsors: Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Cohen Higgins)

(6) Directive�No. 250227�(Resolution�No. R-186-25) ��Report on the County�s Engagement with Broward County and Palm Beach County to Find Solutions to Solid Waste Management Problems (Sponsor: Commissioner Bermudez)�

(7)�Directive�No. 250304�(Resolution�No. R-197-25) - Report on the Development and Implementation of Tire and Mattress Recycling�(Sponsor: Commissioner Regalado)

(8) Directive�No.�250224�(Resolution�No. R-194-25) -�Report on Methane Gas Extraction at Existing Miami-Dade County�Landfills�(Sponsor: Commissioner Regalado)

(9) Directive�No. 250172�(Resolution�No. R-189-25) ��Report on the Review of Solid Waste Bond Ordinance�(Sponsor: Commissioner Regalado)

(10) Directive�No. 250166�- Report to the Board Regarding New Technologies Available for the County's West Transfer Station Facility�(Sponsor: Commissioner Cabrera)

(11) Directive No. 250222 (Resolution No. R-193-25) � Update on Closed Loop Recycling (Sponsor: Commissioner Regalado)

(12) Directive No. 250196 (Resolution No. R-187-25) � Update on School Board Recycling Curriculum (Co-Prime Sponsors: Commissioner Gilbert and Commissioner Steinberg)
Additional Attachments

Attachment 1 and 2 (combined report) -
Report on Market Research on All Solid Waste Management Methods, Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Financing/Procurement Options, and Federal, State, and Local Funding Options; Develop and Present an Alternative Solid Waste Management Plan � Directive No. 250538 (Resolution No. R-198-25)

Summary of Request:
1. Expert Consultation
o Solicit information and technical advice from waste management industry experts.
o Assess best available delivery options and recommended procurement approaches for the design, construction, operation, and/or maintenance of a new WTE facility.
2. Waste Disposal Methods
o Explore all waste disposal methods the Board has directed for analysis.
o Review items passed by the Board within the last 45 days.
3. Funding and Technology Analysis
o Investigate funding sources and technologies to contribute to or defray costs of the County�s Solid Waste system.
o Assess financial feasibility of construction, operation, and maintenance costs associated with a solid waste campus, WTE facility, or landfill expansion.

Report to Request Information from the Design Criteria Professional - Directive No. 250174 (Resolution No. R-190-25)

Summary of Request:
1. Request and Receipt of Certain Information from the Design Criteria Professional
2. Utilize existing Contract No. 18482-DSWM22-DCP SPD Project No. E22-DSWM-02

Attachment 3 - Report on Miami-Dade County�s Landfill Capacity and Viable Options for Expansion - Directive No. 250299 (Resolution No. R-196-25)
Summary of Request:
1. Determine if expansion of landfills is in the County�s best interest
2. Evaluate the viability of landfill expansion performing a cost/savings analysis of expansion options.

Attachment 4 - Report on the Feasibility of Expanding Cardboard Recycling at Trash and Recycling Centers and Establishing Seasonal Cardboard Disposal Program - Directive No. 250195 (Resolution No. R-191-25)

Summary of Request:
1. Expansion of cardboard disposal and/or recycling to all 13 Trash and Recycling Centers year-round.
2. Establishment of a seasonal cardboard disposal program.
3. Creation of additional drop-off sites throughout the community at locations such as:
o Libraries
o Community Centers
o County or Municipal Buildings
4. Create Public Awareness and Accessibility on County�s website and social media outlets.
o Existing Trash and Recycling Centers accepting cardboard materials.
o Any future seasonal locations.
5. Integration into Zero Waste Master Plan
o Ensure that year-round and seasonal disposal and/or recycling of cardboard is included in the County�s Zero Waste Master Plan.


Attachment 5 � Report on Out-of-County Landfill Options - Directive No: 250208 (Resolution No. R-192-25)

Summary of Request:
1. Land Acquisition Evaluation
o Assess legally viable options for purchasing suitable land outside of Miami-Dade County near a rail line for landfill and/or composting purposes.
2. Fiscal Impact Analysis
o A comprehensive fiscal impact line-item in the report.
o The financial analysis comparison of current landfill service expenditures against the projected costs of acquiring and developing new landfill facilities, including all associated operational requirements.


Attachment 6 � Report on the County�s Engagement with Broward County and Palm Beach County to Find Solutions to Solid Waste Management Problems � Directive No. 250227 (Resolution No. R-186-25)

Summary of Request:
1. Intergovernmental Engagement
o Continue discussions with Broward County and Palm Beach County to identify solutions for solid waste management challenges.
2. Reporting Requirement
o A report detailing findings and proposed solutions must be provided.


Attachment 7 - Report on the Development and Implementation of Tire and Mattress Recycling - Directive No. 250304 (Resolution No. R-197-25)

Summary of Request:
1. Development and Implementation
o Establish a countywide recycling program for tires and mattresses.
2. Review and recommend necessary changes to Chapter 15 of the Miami-Dade County Code to align with the new recycling initiative.
3. Provide a comprehensive report detailing the proposed recycling program, implementation plan, and any required legislative adjustments.


Attachment 8 - Report on Methane Gas Extraction at Existing Miami-Dade County Landfills - Directive No. 250224 (Resolution No. R-194-25)

Summary of Request:
1. Assessment of Legal Viability
o Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of legally viable options for methane gas extraction from existing and future landfills within Miami-Dade County.
2. Environmental and Economic Impact
o Analyze the potential environmental benefits and economic feasibility of methane gas extraction.
3. Regulatory Compliance
o Identify applicable laws, policies, and regulations governing methane extraction in landfill operations.
4. Technological Review
o Investigate available and emerging technologies for methane capture and utilization.
5. Implementation Strategies
o Develop recommendations for practical implementation, including partnerships and funding opportunities.
6. Report Submission


Attachment 9 � Report on Solid Waste Bond Ordinance � Directive No. 250172 (Resolution No. R-189-25)

Summary of Request:
1. Review the Solid Waste Bond Ordinance
o Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the existing ordinance to assess its current structure, effectiveness, and compliance with relevant regulations.
2. Provide Recommendations for Restructuring or Reformulation
o Develop proposals for modifications to improve efficiency, financial sustainability, and operational effectiveness.
3. Evaluate the Defeasance of Outstanding Bonds
o Analyze financial implications, feasibility, and potential impact of bond defeasance to ensure alignment with municipal fiscal policies.
4. Undertake Necessary Actions to Accomplish the Purpose
o Identify and implement steps required to achieve the objectives outlined in Resolution No. R-189-25, including stakeholder engagement and regulatory coordination.
5. Submit a Final Report
o Prepare and present a detailed report summarizing findings, proposed actions, and anticipated outcomes for review and further decision-making.


Attachment 10 � Report on Regarding New Technologies Available for the County's West Transfer Station Facility � Directive No. 250166

Summary of Request:
1. Explore and identify new technologies available for the County's West Transfer Station (WTS) facility.
2. Examine potential implementation timelines for new and emerging technologies.


Attachment 11 � Report on Closed Loop Recycling at Miami International Airport and PortMiami � Directive No. 250222 (Resolution No. R-193-25)

Summary of Request:
1. Explore, evaluate, and develop a closed loop recycling system for Miami Dade Aviation Department ("MDAD") and PortMiami.
2. Identify cost-effective methods for recycling and composting.
3. Consider funding sources, including any applicable grants, for implementing the closed loop
recycling plan, and potential markets for recycled markets.


Attachment 12 � Report on Recycling Outreach and Education Efforts between Miami-Dade County and Miami-Dade County Public Schools - Directive No. 250196 (Resolution No. R-187-25)

Summary of Request:
1. Collaborate with Miami-Dade County Public Schools ("MDCPS") to develop a curriculum to educate HeadStart, Pre-kindergarten, Kindergarten, and First Grade students on the importance of recycling.
2. Enter an interlocal agreement or education compact with MDCPS, if necessary.
3. Report on collaborative efforts between DSWM and MDCPS.��


Update on Zero Waste Master Plan and Waste Diversion
The Department has had a long history of providing waste diversion resources to its customers. Beginning in 1990, DSWM launched its curbside recycling program to divert recyclable materials to beneficial use. The County built on this waste diversion effort in 1993 by requiring commercial entities to recycle at least three waste streams. These two actions prioritized the sustainable treatment of solid waste and emphasized the importance of diverting waste from disposal and towards beneficial use.

As Miami-Dade County has grown, so have DSWM�s efforts to divert waste from disposal. DSWM customers can recycle electronic waste, appliances, tires, used oil and chemicals, and yard waste at county trash and recycling centers. In 2014, the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) provided additional steps to build on these diversion efforts to be taken as part of the Department�s waste diversion efforts and as part of the Solid Waste Master Plan. Recommendations included encouraging home composting of organic waste materials, providing more residential enforcement of solid waste rules, and expanding recyclables accepted by the curbside recycling program. DSWM built on these recommendations by starting a Home Composting Program, enforcing recycling contamination through an outreach and education campaign, and adding additional recyclables to the curbside recycling program.

Although Miami-Dade County has been dedicated to waste diversion for decades, discussions surrounding zero waste goals didn�t begin until 2021. As Mayor In 2022, I proposed Miami-Dade County becoming a Zero Waste County and solicited feedback from the community. In 2023, DSWM�s Bond Engineer drafted a report detailing some measures that the County and Department would need to incorporate to begin working towards becoming a Zero Waste County. In 2024, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was drafted and advertised to hire a consultant to develop a Zero Waste Master Plan in collaboration with Miami-Dade County. The Zero Waste Master Plan, in coordination with the County, is expected to be completed in 2026.

The Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP) will be categorized into short-term, medium-term, and long-term timelines for accomplishing the goals outlined in the Plan. The ZWMP will include recommendations on policy changes, new programs, and required infrastructure to put the County on the path to becoming a Zero Waste County. The ZWMP will include policy recommendations for promoting reuse to help limit waste generation, recommendations for optimizing the ongoing recycling efforts in the County, policy and infrastructure required to process organic waste, in addition to other relevant policies, programs, and infrastructure. Stakeholders will be invited to participate and provide feedback on the ZWMP beginning in the Summer of 2025 to ensure that the ZWMP reflects community input and includes subject matter expertise. The ZWMP will build on existing waste diversion efforts and ensure Miami-Dade County is a sustainable and future-ready County.

Conclusion

This is a comprehensive report in detail and we look forward to the Board�s feedback. Our goal is to create a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective solid waste management system that meets the needs of our community while protecting our taxpayers and our environment for future generations.
In accordance with Ordinance No. 14-65, this report will be placed on the next available Board meeting agenda, without committee�review. If additional information is needed, please contact Aneisha Daniel, PhD, Director, Department of Solid Waste Management, at [email protected]. �
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