Ran on WLRN Public Media on June 12, 2026
Broward County only recycles 38% of its trash — well below the state’s recommended 75% threshold.
“We used to have 60% recycling, which is really good. We had two waste to energy plants at the time, and granted, that allows for recycling — or it’s given credit for recycling — but we are down now in the lower 30s. We’ve lost a generation, honestly,” said Broward County Commissioner Beam Furr.
Furr is a member of the executive board of the Solid Waste Authority whose mission is to modernize the way Broward disposes of its waste.
The Solid Waste Authority was created in 2023 when 28 cities and the county signed an interlocal agreement (ILA). The organization has just ratified its Solid Waste Masterplan that seeks to lay the groundwork for the next 40 years of waste disposal. A crucial component is the cooperation of the member cities.
“By having 28 cities all rowing in the same direction, you get economies of scale, not only in the commodities market, but in negotiation. If 28 cities are going to a disposal site, our ability to negotiate better prices is tremendously better,” said Furr.
Furr also praises efforts from local businesses like the Florida Panthers who have increased their efforts to recycle more with tremendous success. He says it’s time now for Broward County to get on board.
The passage of the masterplan triggered a 100-day window for the ratification of the plan. To date, 15 cities and the County have approved it, but to be implemented the plan needs passage from cities that make up 80% of the population of its members. The deadline is Aug. 14.
WLRN’s Carlton Gillespie spoke with Furr about the state of waste disposal in the county and how the Solid Waste Authority’s Masterplan can address the challenges Broward faces. The conversation was edited for length and clarity.