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 at 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
Click here to read the supporting documents for the Master Plan.
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.

Click here to read the Master Plan Executive Summary

Financial Framework

The proposed financial plan 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.

Purpose of the Funding

If approved, the surcharge would be applicable to waste managed by the Authority to fund the following:

  1. Expanding education and outreach programs countywide to help residents and businesses waste less and recycle more
  2. Setting up eight new recycling drop-off locations to improve convenient access to recycling
  3. Administrative services led by the Authority
  4. Building a capital reserve for future programs and facilities

The state has set a 75% recycling goal for all counties in Florida. Currently, the recycling rate in Broward County is 38%. 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. Click here to read the detailed financial plan memo.

 

Next Steps for the Master Plan

  • On April 17, 2026 the Governing Board approved the Master Plan.
  • Each of the member municipalities will vote on the Facilities Amendment prior to August 14, 2026.
  • Once the Facilities Amendment is approved by Broward County and 80% of the population represented by the member municipalities, the Solid Waste Authority will begin implementing the Master Plan.

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.