About the Solid Waste Authority of Broward County
The Solid Waste Disposal and Recyclable Materials Processing Authority of Broward County (“Broward SWA”) is a newly created entity, created through an interlocal agreement signed by Broward County and 28 municipalities (and potentially more in the future), to develop a coordinated, regional solid waste management and recycling master plan (“Master Plan”). The master plan will address expectations and incorporate strategies from each member jurisdiction to create an innovative, environmentally sustainable, and economically efficient regional solid waste management system that meets or exceeds the State of Florida’s 75 percent recycling goal.
Currently each of the 31 cities within Broward County independently contracts for solid waste management services. This fragmented system has resulted in a patchwork of strategies that are less effective and more expensive than what could be achieved by working collaboratively.
The Broward SWA will work to address these inefficiencies by working across government jurisdictions and with solid waste and resource management experts to develop a Master Plan that meets the region’s solid waste management and recycling needs in an efficient, effective and comprehensive manner over the next 40 years and beyond.
Background of The Solid Waste Authority
The current solid waste management system in Broward County falls short in addressing the region’s long-term sustainability goals. Opportunities exist to reduce overall solid waste generation and optimize source reduction and recycling, which is part the reason why the Broward SWA was established and is developing a Master Plan to guide its members towards a more sustainable future.
The Broward SWA’s mission is to protect the long-term public health, safety, and welfare of Broward residents by implementing a transparent, innovative, and environmentally proactive plan to reduce waste generation, increase the reuse and recycling of discarded resources, and minimize waste disposal.
The Broward SWA is committed to evaluating its existing solid waste management assets, implementing consistent programs and services, adopting proven and leading-edge technologies, supporting regional collaborations, and conducting comprehensive public education campaigns to ensure sustainable and resilient solid waste management for the future. Additionally, the SWA’s robust Master Plan will ensure the financial sustainability and operational efficiency of the solid waste management system, while addressing the evolving needs of Broward County’s communities.
As a critical entity, the Broward SWA is poised to help the region meet its solid waste management challenges head-on, with a clear focus on innovation, collaboration, and long-term environmental protection.
Master Plan Development for The Solid Waste Authority
The Broward SWA is responsible for developing a 40-year Master Plan that will provide detailed operation and facility recommendations for a solid waste and recycling system that is transparent, innovative, economically efficient and equitable, and environmentally sustainable.
Following approval by the County and a sufficient number of municipal members, the Broward SWA will implement the plan, moving Broward County toward a sustainable, integrated solid waste management system that supports achieving Florida’s 75% recycling goal.
