Miami, FL - Miami-Dade County commissioners have postponed a pivotal vote on the proposed construction of a new waste-to-energy incinerator, opting for a 120-day deferral to gather more comprehensive information on available alternatives.
The original incinerator, located in Doral, was destroyed by a significant fire in February 2023, leaving the county to manage the disposal of millions of tons of annual waste.
Since the incident, waste has been transported by train to landfills outside Miami-Dade County.
The county recently secured a 10-year contract to continue this practice.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has previously shifted her stance on the issue, at one point recommending the continuation of hauling waste to other regions of the state.
However, the possibility of reconstructing the incinerator remains under consideration.
During the recent session, commissioners expressed the need for additional data on all potential options before making a final decision.
They also emphasized exploring private investment opportunities to potentially reduce taxpayer expenses.
This postponement offers hope to environmental advocates and residents near the proposed sites, including those in Doral and neighboring Miramar in Broward County.
Commissioners are also evaluating the feasibility of acquiring land outside Miami-Dade County to establish a new landfill or collaborating with Broward County to develop a regional waste management solution.
The rescheduled vote is now set for a commission meeting in July, providing officials with time to conduct thorough research and engage with community stakeholders to determine the most viable and sustainable waste management strategy for the county.