Throughout the past twenty years Broward County has partnered with 26 cities in the county to form an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) for solid waste disposal and recycling materials. This agreement developed the foundation for the disposal system and materials recovery facilities (MRF) we have in Broward County today. Our current disposal facilities, the Wheelabrator North and South plants, operate with a burn approach and turn waste into electrical power at the waste-to-energy plants.

The solid waste industry has evolved over the years through corporate buyouts and ownership changes, creating a local monopoly. Today we are challenged to improve our current system, increase residential and commercial recycling, and decrease our local tipping fees. These challenges are more relevant now than ever as the expiration of the disposal agreements for Wheelabrator North and South will expire in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Simply stated, the future is now for the partner cities and the non-ILA cities as well.

The current state of solid waste processing has evolved due to better technology being available for disposal and for improving recycling methods. Curbside collection programs began in California and New Jersey in the 1970’s and been growing rapidly for the past 30 years. Recent trends, however, have shown tonnages decreasing for the past three years. A number of reasons can explain this trend. Recycling education has been lacking in the public school system due to tough budget decisions moving recycling education down the priority list. In addition, the government agencies, as well as the resource recovery system as a whole, have not been aggressive in supporting these initiatives. Some of the key targets in the future of recycling in Broward County will be an increased focus on multi-family recycling as well as increasing commercial business awareness of opportunities for more waste reduction.

As we move forward, the collective goals are simple: increase recycling efforts to meet a mandated 30% goal, reduce disposal costs, and increase our partners so that all Broward cities are in this together for the long run. The short term goal of reducing the waste stream are important, and if we follow successful models such as Los Angeles County and make zero waste a goal, we can then set target dates for similar goals as a part of a Request for Proposals (RFP). We can take on this challenge and be on the cutting edge of a more environmentally friendly industry. We will succeed in increasing our recycling efforts and byproducts as a result.

As we enter into a new paradigm and view new technologies, many questions will be raised. Is the current technology of burning and turning it into electrical power the best method for our future? Should we consider hauling waste to a Central Florida landfill? Should we switch to thermal conversion facilities in Broward? Should we consider a complete composting operation and/or operating a construction/demolition facility? All of these questions are a big part of a decision to be made by all cities in Broward. The future of our solid waste disposal district depends on its members’ willingness to band together behind these goals and move forward with a new ILA.

In the next six months we will be tasked with making decisions which determine the future of the Broward County Solid Waste Disposal District. Some of these key decisions will revolve around extensions, if any, of our existing MRF agreement which is due to expire on September 20th, 2009. This is a critical decision as it is an important step in guiding the group’s future together.

One of the key decisions that has already been made by the Resource Recovery Board (RRB) was to form a special subcommittee that is tasked, along with our consultant, board attorney, and the Executive Director of the Resource Recovery Board, with guiding the process. It is this subcommittee’s responsibility to bring recommendations to the RRB and achieve consensus from the member cities on the path we need to take to attain our goals.

The subcommittee is tasked with the development of a document suitable for presentation to city managers and elected officials, providing them with guidance to make decisions for their respective cities. The subcommittee will also be tasked with recommending a structure for the RFP process, developing a strategic plan, reviewing the MRF agreement, and possibly developing new solid waste/disposal facilities. As time is of the essence, the subcommittee will also develop a strategic timeframe and provide monthly reports to TAC and the RRB. Due to the complex nature of this process, the subcommittee will be assisted by our consultant’s facilitator throughout the process.

As we move to the future, all members of TAC and our Public Works directors need to take on a strong role as a representative of their municipality and participate in the workshops, particularly if they are not the TAC member. Participation will keep attendees informed and better prepared to work with city managers and to help advise elected officials on future policy decisions concerning a new ILA. The importance of information sharing and attending meetings is critical due to the time sensitive nature of these items.

The tasks charged to this subcommittee will be quite challenging, but are necessary to help guide the future of solid waste in Broward County. In addition, the group has sent out a needs assessment survey to all city managers which will provide the group with better insight into what cities want for the future of solid waste in the county. The results of this survey will help the group move forward and provide a big picture perspective from the partner members when it comes to revenues and costs associated with tipping fees.

Miami Dade County owns and operates the largest waste collection and disposal system in the southeast United States. The Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) provides collection, disposal, and recycling services to more than 340,000 households, operates three landfills, three transfer stations, 13 neighborhood trash and recycling centers, and one of the largest waste-to-energy facilities of its kind in the world.

Miami-Dade County’s position is very strong as it has the resources and ownership of facilities to provide solid waste and disposal services at a competitive market rate. We should strongly evaluate Miami-Dade and other Florida counties as a model as we shape our future of waste disposal, recycling, and the structure of tipping fees.

As tax reform and the subsequent revenue consequences are on the minds of residents, elected officials and public administrators alike, we are all challenged to find innovative ways to reduce spending and increase revenue. This is one of the most challenging issues we face as many local governments are struggling to maintain a level of service without a loss of jobs. One of the major reasons this will come to light through the solid waste process is because of the concerns about our high tipping fees. If the tipping fees were to be dramatically lowered, it may mean lost revenue from franchise fees as well as reduced excess reserve payments that cities receive.

In closing, as the paradigm shift continues to evolve, we as Public Works professionals are challenged to think outside the box and help guide the future of solid waste. The more we create innovative programs, as well as the more we participate in this process, the more we will benefit in the future of solid waste disposal and recycling in this county and in our own municipalities. It is extremely important to get involved and take the time to inform managers and elected officials on this matter. Only then can we make considered decisions and ensure a positive future for solid waste and recycling.