Miami-Dade Considers Waste-to-Energy Site, Launches New EV Charging Station

There is potential for the construction of a new waste-to-energy campus in Miami-Dade. This campus could be built at the same location of the trash disposal site, which burned down in February of 2023.

The Miami-Dade Commission is set to discuss the waste-to-energy campus at the December 3rd meeting. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has issued a memorandum stating the need to rebuild at the aforementioned site. She has also spoken to environmental groups regarding this situation.

According to Levine Cava, the most important priority is to build a facility that is safe for citizens and the environment: one which can be easily integrated into the community. It must be consistent with the zero waste initiative and not create a burden for tax payers. Levine Cava said that following an analysis of all available locations, the costs of relocating have proven to be very high, so she is recommending the existing site in Doral as the location for the new Solid Waste Campus.

She believes this new campus will be an important step toward finding a sustainable long-term solution to waste challenges, while lowering emissions and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Also, on December 2nd, Miami-Dade Solid Waste Management Department (DSWM) will show its newly completed construction charging station. The station hosts five dual port chargers, capable of charging 10 light EV units simultaneously from its operations building. The state-of-the-art charging station can replenish an EV within six to eight hours, depending on battery level and range. The event will take place at 12 pm at 8831 NW 58 Street in Doral.

“I'm incredibly proud that Miami-Dade County is leading by example when it comes to transitioning from gas-powered vehicles to electric. Soon, we will boast the largest electric commuter fleet in the country,” said Levine Cava. “These innovative charging stations are helping us reach our goals of a cleaner, more resilient, and future-ready Miami-Dade.”

The DSWM light fleet currently has four 2023 Ford Lightning trucks and one Mach E SUV. These vehicles transport supervisory staff between facilities, trash and recycling centers, disposal sites, and transfer stations. Four more trucks are currently on order, and more light EV vehicle orders will follow. The light EV fleet currently uses 3,712 kilowatts of power, resulting in a savings of 465 gallons of gas, and the reduction of 2,806 parts per billion in greenhouse gasses per year. With 10 level-two charging ports, this facility is considered a positive step toward a greener future for Miami-Dade, according to county information.