Coral Springs joins regional plan to tackle Broward waste crisis. What to know
Waste management in Broward County is at a crisis point, experts say. This summer, governments around the county — including Coral Springs — are taking new steps to address it together.
On Wednesday, June 17, city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first amendment to the Solid Waste Authority Master Plan, which will bring over two dozen cities together to increase recycling, composting and landfill diversion.
It was bittersweet, some said, because former Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer, a longtime environmental advocate credited with helping spearhead the project, was not there to see it happen.
She was shot and killed April 1, allegedly by her husband Stephen Bowen.
Here’s what to know.
Why make the change?
According to the Solid Waste Authority (SWA), Broward County’s landfill and garbage burning facilities are at or near capacity. And, as the county’s population grows, so does its need for waste disposal.
Representatives from 28 towns and cities, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Margate, Parkland and Tamarac, have worked with experts and stakeholders to find a way to solve the issue.
The result was the Broward Solid Waste Authority Master Plan.
The model prioritizes diversion — sending materials to recycling, composting and other facilities — and collaboration between cities to reduce costs and streamline operations.
How much will it cost residents?
Some public commenters raised concerns about increased costs for garbage and recycling pickup under the agreement.
Broward Solid Waste Authority Executive Director Sam May told the commission that households will be billed $2.22 per ton of trash per year.
“So, if it was two tons, it would be $4.44 per year. You’re looking at 35, 40 cents a month,” May said.
Nancy Metayer’s role
“Nancy Metayer was our north star when it came to this item. Not that we didn’t want to be involved with it, we just knew that she was in control of it,” Commissioner Joshua Simmons said. “Anytime this item came up, we turned our heads, looked at her and let her guide us from what we needed to do.
“What I will ask of the governing board, as well as the executive director, is to find a way to honor our vice mayor, who put so much effort into this. She was up there doing her job, because that’s what she cared about.”
Commissioner Shawn Cerra is serving in her place.
“We have been very involved with every aspect of moving this forward in a collaborative manner with the other cities,” he said. “It’s very important that we are part of the process, so we’re part of the solution.”
What’s next?
The commission’s vote on the agreement was contingent on additional amendments being passed. What those amendments must entail is unclear.
At least 13 other member cities will vote on the item throughout June and July. Those that approve the move will continue with the project, which will include contracting with recycling companies and building new local diversion centers, according to documents.
