Discussions are underway in Miami-Dade County regarding the construction of a new solid waste plant to replace the incinerator that ceased operations three years ago. County commissioners are evaluating potential developers, locations, and the types of waste the facility will handle. A workshop scheduled for February 10, 2026, aims to address these critical issues as two companies, FCC Environmental Services and Florida Power & Light Co., explore a partnership to build the new facility.
The project’s cost, scope, and timeline remain uncertain. Roy Coley, the county’s chief utilities and regulatory services officer, emphasized the need for clear directives from the commission. “Until we give them clear direction, we can’t hold them to an exact date,” he stated in a recent meeting.
Commissioner Raquel Regalado proposed a comprehensive approach to waste management. She suggested considering additional waste streams, including sludge and sargassum, to ensure the new plant can handle a variety of solid waste generated by the community. “If we’re going to build something, we should build something for all of the solid waste that is created by our system, not just the waste that we pick up in a trash can,” she argued.
In contrast, Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III focused on the essentials, expressing a desire for a facility that meets the basic needs previously handled by the former waste-to-energy plant. “We need something like what we had, just better, newer, less onerous,” he remarked, likening the decision to selecting a main course with side options: “Let me know how much the steak costs.”
Both FCC Environmental Services and Florida Power & Light Co. have been tasked with collaborating on a joint proposal after the commission’s directive on December 16, 2025. Commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez noted that talks between the companies are progressing positively. He and other officials, including the mayor, have met with representatives from both firms, with FCC providing an undisclosed location for the potential plant.
Should the companies fail to establish a partnership, Miami-Dade County plans to proceed independently with each to select a developer for the waste facility. A comprehensive proposal from the collaborating firms is anticipated by April, which will outline their plans for the new waste management system.
As discussions continue, the county remains committed to addressing its solid waste challenges with a focus on efficiency and sustainability. The outcome of the upcoming workshop and subsequent proposals will be crucial in determining the future of waste management in Miami-Dade County.
