Miami-Dade to Vote on Plastic Ban at County Venues

Miami-Dade County Commissioners are poised to vote on a resolution that would ban single-use plastics and Styrofoam at county-owned venues, including Miami International Airport, PortMiami, and local parks. The measure, championed by Commissioner Eileen Higgins, aims to replace plastics with more sustainable options like aluminum cans and bottles, or compostable and washable plates.

The proposal reflects growing concerns over plastic waste, which harms both human health and the environment. Only 5% of plastics are recycled in the U.S., with the rest ending up in landfills, incinerators, and oceans. Microplastics, which have been linked to serious health issues like cancer and infertility, are increasingly found in humans and wildlife alike.

While the measure has broad public support—over 17,000 emails in favor have been sent to the commission—opposition comes from the Florida Retail Federation, which argues the ban could hurt small businesses reliant on plastic packaging. Despite such resistance, local governments like Miami Beach and Broward County have already adopted similar policies, with Miami-Dade’s proposed resolution aiming to inspire private businesses to follow suit.

Zoo Miami, which switched to aluminum bottles and reduced plastic waste by 340,000 bottles in a year, serves as an example of how such changes can be implemented successfully without harming revenue. Activists argue that reducing plastic production is key to combating climate change, as plastics are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Miami-Dade’s initiative could set a powerful precedent for other municipalities and businesses in Florida.