In a major victory for the City of Miramar and surrounding communities, the Miami-Dade County Commission has officially removed Airport West from consideration as a proposed site for a 4,000-ton-per-day waste-to-energy incinerator.
The decision, which marks a significant shift in the County’s solid waste planning, followed a motion introduced by Commissioner Oliver Gilbert and supported by the full Commission.
This outcome comes after nearly two years of intense advocacy and community mobilization led by the City of Miramar. The effort was backed by residents, organizations, and regional partners committed to protecting the area’s air, water, and overall environmental health.
Local leaders had argued that the proximity to densely populated areas — affecting nearly 250,000 residents — presents a major public health risk. They pointed to pollution concerns linked to the now-defunct Doral incinerator, including emissions associated with cancer and respiratory illnesses.
Environmental groups such as the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives had also raised alarms, warning that incinerators contribute heavily to greenhouse gas emissions and poor air quality.
“I thank the leadership of the MDC Commission for their vote to protect Airport West and Commissioner Oliver Gilbert for his motion that eliminated Airport West from further consideration as a host site for a 4,000-ton-per-day incinerator,” said Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam. “We trust a long-term solid waste solution can be reached by the County that will permanently eliminate Airport West and protect the health and quality of life of the residents of our great city.”
Mayor Messam underscored the importance of community involvement, noting that the victory was the result of united efforts to defend the city’s environment and public health. He emphasized that the collective advocacy and unwavering support of residents and regional allies were key to achieving this outcome.
The City of Miramar says it remains committed to working alongside Miami-Dade County to develop sustainable, community-centered waste management solutions that prioritize public health and environmental responsibility.
The proposed incinerator was one of several options Miami-Dade commissioners are considering as they seek a permanent solution to the county’s waste problem. Since a fire destroyed the Doral waste-to-energy plant in February 2023, trash from Miami-Dade has been trucked or sent by rail to private facilities outside the county.
