MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade County commissioners voted 10-3 on Wednesday in favor of a resolution aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastics on county property.
The measure, sponsored by District 5 Commissioner Eileen Higgins, seeks to minimize plastic waste by requiring vendors in future county contracts to find alternatives to single-use plastics and polystyrene “to the greatest extent possible.”
“This is a new day in Miami-Dade County,” said Higgins.
The resolution applies to concessionaires operating on county property and county-run vendors. While those with existing contracts are not mandated to comply, they are encouraged to do so.
Commissioners debated the resolution before the vote, with some raising concerns about potential financial impacts.
“I want to know what the effect will be on businesses,” said Commissioner René Garcia.
Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera, along with Commissioners Roberto J. Gonzalez and Juan Carlos Bermudez, voted against the measure, citing concerns that were highlighted in a letter from the Florida Retail Federation. The letter warned of potential burdens on businesses and customers.
“The burden on business will be passed down to the customer,” said Gonzalez.
Still, supporters of the resolution argued that viable, cost-effective alternatives exist.
“We conducted an experiment at Zoo Miami, and these products are available at a reasonable price,” Higgins said.
Commissioner Oliver Gilbert added his support despite personal reservations.
“I hate paper straws, but I will use them and vote on this item because it’s good for the environment,” Gilbert said.
Environmental advocates praised the resolution as a step in the right direction.
“I am thrilled that the county will be leveraging capitalism to tackle the plastic waste crisis,” said Dave Doebler of VolunteerCleanup.org.
Local environmental groups hope the measure will address the growing trash and pollution problem caused by plastic waste in South Florida.