Broward commissioners approve key Solid Waste Authority facilities amendment to expand recycling and composting

The Broward County Commission unanimously approved a facilities amendment to the Solid Waste Authority interlocal agreement on May 12, a step county officials said is necessary to expand recycling, composting and other diversion programs as landfill capacity declines.

Public speakers urged the board to adopt the amendment before the vote. "The status quo is not sustainable," said Stephanie Jopi, who told commissioners the plan would raise diversion and create local jobs while costing households only a small annual amount. Linda Thompson Gonzales told the board the plan could increase the county's recycling rate and reduce landfill and incineration volumes.

Commissioners and county staff described the amendment as the operational piece that allows the Solid Waste Authority to stand up new facilities and to implement flow-control measures across participating municipalities. One commissioner called the amendment the "linchpin" that will enable stand‑up facilities for yard waste, glass recycling and composting and preserve landfill life and the county's waste‑to‑energy asset.

County staff and outside consultants briefed the commission on a multi‑year process that included more than 160 meetings and collaboration with municipalities and industry stakeholders. Staff said the amendment follows the recommendations of the Solid Waste Authority governing board, which voted unanimously to recommend both the facilities amendment and related master‑plan elements.

After the discussion the board approved the amendment by voice vote, recorded as 9–0.

What this means: County officials said implementing the amendment aims to raise diversion rates substantially (presenters cited a target increase from current levels) and stabilize long‑term disposal costs by enabling shared, countywide infrastructure and coordinated contracting. Staff emphasized that the county does not own all disposal facilities and therefore relies on interlocal cooperation and contractual arrangements to achieve the proposed system changes.

Next steps: With board approval, staff will proceed to finalize implementation details, coordinate with municipalities and the Solid Waste Authority, and begin steps to site or activate the facilities described in the amendment. The board did not adopt specific facility locations at the meeting.

Votes and motions: The commission voted 9–0 to approve the first amendment to the interlocal agreement for solid waste disposal and recyclable materials processing. The motion was made and seconded on the floor and followed by public comment and a brief commissioner discussion.

Sources: Board meeting transcript, public comment and staff presentation at the May 12 meeting.