City of Coral Gables

File #: 23-6474    Version: 1 Name: Green Waste Pilot Program
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
File created: 10/3/2023 In control: City Commission
On agenda: 10/10/2023 Final action: 10/10/2023
Enactment date: 10/10/2023 Enactment #: 2023-298
Title: A Resolution of the City Commission directing City Staff to develop a cost based pilot program to divert green yard waste to more sustainable uses.  (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson).
Sponsors: Vice Mayor Anderson
Attachments: 1. R-2023-298 -Signed, 2. Green Waste Pilot Program - COVER, 3. Green Waste Pilot Program - RESOL

Title

A Resolution of the City Commission directing City Staff to develop a cost based pilot program to divert green yard waste to more sustainable uses. 

(Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson).

Body

In February 2023, the Miami-Dade County Resources Recovery Facility, a waste-to-energy plant in Doral, caught fire and was destroyed. The destruction of the plant and lack of meaningful alternative facilities has resulted in additional waste being diverted to landfills.

 

This resolution directs City staff to develop a pilot program and to identify a company or companies with a suitable site to divert green waste to more sustainable uses, including but not limited to converting the waste into mulch, compost, or biochar. 

 

It further directs staff to identify a company or companies interested in partnering with the City on the pilot program, to evaluate the costs and benefits of the program to the City’s solid waste operations, and to provide the City Commission with regular updates on the program.   

 

The exploration of diverting green yard waste from landfills is consistent with the City Commission’s longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, the responsible management of natural resources, and reducing costs for residents.