Miami-Dade County Moves to Ban Single-Use Plastics and Styrofoam

MIAMI-DADE, Fla. – On November 20, Miami-Dade County Commissioners approved a resolution spearheaded by Commissioner Eileen Higgins to ban single-use plastics and styrofoam at county facilities, including Miami International Airport, PortMiami, and county offices.

The new legislation, aimed at reducing plastic pollution and protecting local environments like Biscayne Bay, was praised by Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This is a major step forward to protect our environment with policies that businesses and residents can embrace,” she said. Mayor Levine Cava also emphasized that Miami-Dade generates over 5 million tons of waste annually, making this move an important step in reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Commissioner Higgins expressed pride in the bold action taken by the Board of County Commissioners. “This legislation prioritizes our residents’ health, protects wildlife, and preserves natural resources,” Higgins stated. The initiative will encourage the transition to sustainable products, creating a cleaner, healthier future for Miami-Dade.

Single-use plastics are notoriously difficult to recycle and often end up polluting waterways. By eliminating these products from county operations, Miami-Dade aims to reduce plastic waste and align its practices with the voluntary PlasticFree305 program.

The legislation marks a significant milestone in the county’s ongoing efforts to tackle plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability.