Miami-Dade's Incinerator Vote Sparks Fury: Residents Demand Alternatives!

Doral, Florida, USA - In the whirlwind of Miami-Dade’s waste management debate, a crucial decision is looming. County commissioners are poised to vote on a new incinerator aimed at replacing the one ravaged by fire in Doral back in 2023. This vote, originally scheduled for February, has seen delays and is now set for July 2023, indicating just how contentious this issue has become.NBC Miami reports.

A proposed site for the incinerator could be in Broward County, stirring opposition from residents in both Miramar and Doral. As the discussions heat up, it is clear that the prospect of a new waste-to-energy facility has ignited passionate arguments on both sides. Miramar’s Mayor Wayne Messam has been particularly vocal, emphasizing that the city deserves a safe environment for its citizens and for its growth.NBC Miami reports.

Concerns Over Environmental Impact

On September 17, citizens gathered at a Miami-Dade commission meeting to voice their concerns about what would become the largest incinerator in the United States. Residents spoke out passionately against the environmental repercussions of burning trash, particularly worried about the greenhouse gases that incineration generates.The Invading Sea reports.

Among the sites considered for the new incinerator are Doral, Medley, Airport West near Miramar, and a tree farm outside Hialeah Gardens. Notably, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has suggested rebuilding the facility right on the Doral site. Despite mentions of the Doral site as a viable option, the environmental costs raise pressing questions. Indeed, a state-of-the-waste report found that carbon dioxide capture from waste-to-energy facilities isn’t commercially viable at this time, further complicating plans for the proposed site.The Invading Sea reports.

A Shift Toward Zero Waste?

The debate over whether Miami-Dade should pursue a new incinerator or adopt a different approach brings into light the pressing need for waste reduction strategies. Residents are grappling with data that shows Miami-Dade produces twice as much garbage per capita compared to the average county. There are strong calls for a shift toward zero waste strategies, which focus on reducing waste and increasing efforts in recycling and composting as viable alternatives to incineration.The Invading Sea reports.

This isn’t just about one facility; it’s about reshaping Miami-Dade’s waste management approach for future generations. Other cities, notably Austin and Boulder, have successfully implemented zero waste practices without relying on incineration, showing a pathway forward, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and significantly cutting carbon emissions.Zero Waste Europe suggests.

Yet, the challenge stands: Waste-to-energy incineration is not carbon-free. In fact, emissions from these processes have nearly doubled over the past decade. Each ton of municipal solid waste incinerated emits between 0.7 and 1.7 tons of CO2, contributing to climate change without contributing to the necessary recycling rates that should ideally rise.Zero Waste Europe explains.

The clock is ticking as Miami-Dade County prepares for its vote on this critical issue. The direction they choose could set a precedent for how the county manages waste and addresses climate concerns for years to come. Residents and officials alike are watching closely, knowing that the implications of this decision extend far beyond mere trash disposal.