Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Welcome to the Broward Solid Waste Authority FAQs page, where you’ll find answers to common questions about our mission, goals, and initiatives. The Broward Solid Waste Authority (Broward SWA) is dedicated to developing and implementing sustainable waste management and recycling solutions that protect public health, support environmental goals, and improve efficiency across Broward County. Explore the Broward Solid Waste Authority FAQs page to learn more about how we’re working to reduce waste, increase recycling, and build a cleaner, greener future for our community.

What is the Solid Waste Authority of Broward County?

The Solid Waste Authority of Broward County is an organization that was created through an interlocal agreement to protect the long-term public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the Municipal Parties and County.  Its purpose is to develop and implement a long-term, environmentally sustainable, transparent, innovative, and economically efficient plan and approach to disposal, reduction, recycling, and reuse of waste generated in Broward County.

What will the Solid Waste Authority of Broward County do?

The Solid Waste Authority 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 the Parties; 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.

How will the Solid Waste Authority of Broward County achieve its goals?

The Solid Waste Authority of Broward County is developing a comprehensive 40-year Master Plan that incorporates the expectations of each jurisdiction within Broward County. This involves concentrating on services, programs, and facilities to reduce waste generation while maximizing materials reuse, and recycling (including organics) to reduce the amount of waste requiring disposal. By pooling resources, the Solid Waste Authority of Broward County aims to create an effective and efficient solid waste management and recycling system that works for all Broward municipalities.

What will the Master Plan include?

The Master Plan will be 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 of Broward County.  The Master Plan will also be 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 is to develop a clear pathway to implement an integrated and sustainable solid waste management system that enables the Solid Waste Authority of Broward County to meet or exceed the state’s 75% recycling goal. This requires creating alignment among the Solid Waste Authority of Broward County members as the recommended solid waste management system is implemented over a 40-year planning horizon and beyond. The planning methodology will not only focus on the necessary and needed facilities, efficiencies, acquired technologies, and services for collection, treatment, and final disposal of waste, but will also focus on aligning the behaviors of those generating waste, public policies, and plans time horizons to produce lasting solutions.

How does the Solid Waste Authority of Broward County align with local and environmental goals?

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.