What is the Master Plan?
Broward County and 28 cities have come together to create the Master Plan. It will improve how we handle waste and recycling after it leaves your curb. The Master Plan does not control collection, each city will still be responsible for collection services.
Why is the Master Plan Important?
Every minute in Broward County we are generating 20,000 pounds of waste! Most of it ends up in the landfill or waste-to-energy plant. With the waste-to-energy plant at capacity and the in-county landfill nearing capacity, we need to divert as much of our valuable waste as possible. Approximately 62% of the waste sent to the landfill or waste-to-energy plant could be diverted with the programs presented in the Master Plan.
Click here to read the Master Plan and supporting documents.
Click here to send us a question about the Master Plan.
Master Plan Executive Summary
The Executive Summary highlights the key concepts, findings, and recommendations presented in the Solid Waste Authority’s comprehensive Master Plan (completed in August 2025). Following the initial presentation of the Master Plan, members of the Executive Committee, Governing Board, and representatives from the County and our member cities provided feedback. Their recommendations have been incorporated into the Executive Summary. These updates further strengthen the document to reflect the shared priorities of the Authority.
Click here to read the Master Plan Executive Summary.
Financial Framework
The proposed financial plan that was presented by SCS Engineers on February 9, 2026, calls for a surcharge on both residential and commercial waste. The estimated surcharge would be determined on a per ton basis. If approved, the surcharge would be applicable to waste managed by the Authority. This approach was shared to show how the Authority could establish a fair and sustainable funding source that supports the implementation of the Master Plan.
Click here to view the Funding Mechanisms presentation from February 9, 2026
Purpose of the Funding
If approved, the surcharge would be applicable to waste managed by the Authority to fund the following:
- Expanding education and outreach programs countywide to help residents and businesses waste less and recycle more
- Setting up eight new recycling drop-off locations to improve convenient access to recycling
- Administrative services led by the Authority
- Building a capital reserve for future programs and facilities
The state has set a 75% recycling goal for all counties in Florida. Currently, Broward County is recycling approximately 32% of its waste, down from an estimated 39% in 2023. The surcharge funding will be used to help reverse that trend and move the County closer to the state goal through increased education, access, and participation.
Next Steps for the Master Plan
- Create and approve important rules and policies, and
- Make sure waste is directed to the right facilities (known as flow control)
Steps Taken to Develop the Master Plan
The Master Plan was completed in August 2025. It will now be reviewed by Broward County and the 28 member cities. Below are the steps that were taken to develop the Master Plan.
Past Presentations
June 17, 2025: Public Outreach Meeting
Click here to read the Presentation for June 17, 2025.
Click here to read the Report for the June 17, 2025 Presentation.
June 16, 2025: Public Outreach Meeting
Click here to read the Presentation for June 16, 2025.
Click here to read the Report for the June 16, 2025 Presentation.
June 11, 2025: Elected Officials and City Staff Focused Meeting
Click here to read the Presentation for June 11, 2025.
Click here to read the Report for the June 11, 2025 Presentation.
September 18, 2024: Community Engagement Meeting
Click here to read the Presentation for September 18, 2024.
Click here to read the Report for the September 18, 2024 Presentation.