MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade commissioners will not be making any decisions about the controversial solid waste incinerator on Wednesday, but it was still a topic of conversation.
Commissioners have faced strong pushback from residents in Miramar, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Doral, and Medley who oppose building an incinerator.
Eric Trump opposed having it anywhere near Trump National Doral. Commissioner Keon Hardemon, who represents the eastern District 3, addressed it during the meeting.
“I am not a fan of the big bad wolf, because a man is elected to office, I want to challenge that person,” Hardemon said." I don’t think we should make a decision out of fear.”
Commissioner Eileen Higgins, who represents the eastern District 5, also mentioned Eric Trump’s opposition.
“The president is involved in Doral, so note to self if a private partner, don’t get involved in that,” Higgins said during the meeting.
The meeting agenda did include a resolution that passed ordering a report to help commissioners learn more about the costs of either building a new incinerator or a landfill expansion.
“Financials, environmental, and lifestyle of our residents, those are the three pillars I am looking at when making a decision,” said Commissioner Anthony Rodriguez, who represents District 10 and serves as chairman.
The report is due in 120 days.
“Let’s make a decision, but let’s make an informed one,” Commissioner Juan Carlos “JC” Bermudez, a former Doral mayor who represents District 12, said.
Last month, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recommended eliminating the incinerator option as a short-term solution and building a new waste facility instead.
“I’m recommending that we continue to long haul waste via truck and rail,” Levine Cava said about a short-term plan.
During a workshop in January, commissioners had learned the new incinerator was more expensive than transporting the trash by truck and train.
“It is entirely up to this commission and we will follow their direction,” Levine Cava said.
The challenge started after there was a fire at the Covanta Energy plant in 2023 near Northwest 74th Street and 97th Avenue in Doral.
While The Airport West property was considered, Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam opposed incineration tech. Other options include building an out-of-county landfill or waste-to-energy facility.
Miami-Dade Commissioner Marleine Bastien, who represents District 2, said postponing the issue again felt like déjà vu.
“The frustration is shared by many of us about why there has been no holistic decision made over the last two years,” Rodriguez said. “I look forward to making that decision this fiscal year before the end of the year under my chairmanship.”
Commissioners plan to discuss the incinerator again in July.
“That meeting in July will finally lead to a decision if the administration provides all the information,” Bermudez said.
THE RECORD
“This item was amended at the February 10, 2025 Infrastructure, Innovations and Technology Committee to also direct the County Mayor or County Mayor’s designee to explore and analyze available funding sources and technologies, including P3s, federal tax credits, and federal and state grants, to contribute to or defray the costs of the County’s solid waste system including any construction, operation and maintenance costs associated with a solid waste campus, WTE facility, or landfill expansion.”
“This Board directs the County Mayor or County Mayor’s designee to prepare a written report addressing all the directives set forth in this resolution. The County Mayor or County Mayor’s designee shall submit and place on an agenda of the full Board without committee review pursuant to Rule 5.06(j) of the Board’s Rules of Procedure, such report within 120 days.”
Source: https://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/legistarfiles/Matters/Y2025/250300.pdf