Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Solid Waste Authority (SWA) of Broward County will, among other things: 1) encourage recycling, reduction, and reuse, in order to divert Authority Solid Waste from landfills; 2) support regional solutions with other counties with priority being given to the needs and goals of Broward County and the SWA’s 28 member cities; 3) conduct comprehensive public education campaigns; and 4) engage in and/or support research and development into disposal, reduction, recycling, reuse, and utilization of the latest technology to create a sustainable and resilient solid waste management system.

The Solid Waste Authority of Broward County has developed a comprehensive 40-year Master Plan to improve how we handle trash and recycling. The plan brings the 28 member cities and the County together to work as one team. The goal is to stop sending waste to landfills by reusing and recycling as much as possible. Now that the plan is done, each city and the county will have time to review it, ask questions, and discuss approving it at one of their upcoming commission meetings later this year or early 2026. The cities will still be responsible for collection services. The plan is a playbook for what happens to trash, recycling, yard waste, and bulk trash once it leaves the curb. We want to create a cleaner, safer, and fairer waste system for everyone, now and in the future.

The Master Plan was developed through a comprehensive analysis of the current solid waste services, programs, and facilities, then identifying best local, regional, national, and international practices and evaluating the appropriateness for the Solid Waste Authority (SWA) of Broward County.  The Master Plan was informed using a “zero-waste” lens to identify and evaluate options to maximize the beneficial use of waste stream components while minimizing the waste stream components that have no beneficial use. The objective was to develop a clear pathway to implement an integrated and sustainable solid waste management system that enables the SWA to meet or exceed the State of Florida’s 75% recycling goal. This requires creating alignment among the SWA’s members as the recommended solid waste management system is implemented over a 40-year planning horizon and beyond. The planning methodology focused on the necessary and needed facilities, efficiencies, acquired technologies, and services for collection, treatment, and final disposal of waste, as well as aligning the behaviors of those generating waste, public policies, and time horizons to produce lasting solutions.

The Solid Waste Authority of Broward County will tailor its waste management and recycling strategies to meet local needs while supporting broader environmental objectives. By maximizing existing county assets, partnering with high-quality service providers, and exploring new technologies, the Solid Waste Authority of Broward County is committed to and focused on enhancing waste diversion and recovery efforts. This approach will ensure the Solid Waste Authority of Broward County’s operations are efficient, sustainable, and aligned with both community expectations and environmental goals.