Julie Leonard

Public Works Director

Issue Statement:  In late 2019, Broward County and participating municipalities established the Solid Waste Working Group (SWWG), comprised of elected municipal officials and one Broward County Commissioner. The SWWG was formed to collaboratively develop strategies for a regional solid waste management system that would provide environmental benefits, operational efficiencies, and potential cost savings through coordinated solid waste disposal and recycling services.

As a result of these efforts, Broward County, the City, and 27 other municipalities entered into the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) for the Solid Waste Disposal and Recyclable Materials Processing Authority of Broward County, Florida. The ILA became effective on August 16, 2023, establishing the Solid Waste Disposal and Recyclable Materials Processing Authority of Broward County (Authority) as an independent special district to provide long-term regional solid waste disposal and recyclable materials processing solutions while advancing waste diversion and sustainability goals.

Section 3.3 of the ILA requires the adoption of a Facilities Amendment within thirty-six (36) months of the ILA effective date. The Facilities Amendment must be approved by Broward County and participating municipalities representing at least eighty percent (80%) of the total population of participating municipalities before it becomes effective.

On April 17, 2026, the Authority's Governing Board approved the Facilities Amendment and the accompanying Master Plan. Approval of the Facilities Amendment by Broward County and the participating municipalities is the final requirement necessary for the Authority to satisfy its formation requirements.

Approval of the Facilities Amendment confirms the City's participation in the Broward Solid Waste Authority (BSWA) through August 15, 2063, for a forty-year (40) term. Under the ILA, the City will be required to direct all residential and commercial solid waste disposal volumes to Authority-designated post-collection facilities. Applicable waste streams include, but are not limited to, municipal solid waste, yard waste, construction and demolition debris, recyclable materials, and bulk waste.

Recommended Action:  Staff recommends the City Commission adopt the resolution approving the First Amendment (Facilities Amendment) to the Interlocal Agreement for Solid Waste Disposal and Recyclable Materials Processing Authority of Broward County, Florida, and authorize the appropriate City officials to execute all documents necessary to implement the amendment.

The City executed the Interlocal Agreement, effective August 16, 2023, establishing the Solid Waste Disposal and Recyclable Materials Processing Authority of Broward County, which includes Broward County and 27 other municipalities.

The Facilities Amendment fulfills the requirements of Section 3.3 of the ILA and establishes the framework for the Authority's long-term operations. Specifically, the amendment:

1. Provides a long-term plan for regional solid waste disposal and recyclable materials processing.
2. Establishes procedures governing the use and disposition of Authority assets in the event of a wind down.
3. Provides for the orderly and efficient allocation of services during a wind down.

The Authority's Governing Board approved the Facilities Amendment and Master Plan on April 17, 2026. The Facilities Amendment will become effective upon approval by Broward County and participating municipalities representing at least eighty percent (80%) of the participating municipal population.

The following documents are attached for reference:

• Interlocal Agreement (Resolution R-2023-091)
• Exhibit A –  BSWA Presentation (May 6, 2026)
• Exhibit B – BSWA Facilities Amendment
• Exhibit C – BSWA Master Plan
• Exhibit D – BSWA Master Plan Executive Summary

The original ILA authorized the Authority to establish funding mechanisms, including rates, fees, tipping fees, and special assessments, to fund and operate the regional system. The current item does not independently approve a new City funding commitment beyond the City’s annual member contribution.

Based on current population estimates, Oakland Park’s annual contribution for FY 2026 is $55,830, which was paid at the beginning of the year. Until the Authority is able to fund its budget through special assessments or other methods, the City will continue to contribute towards the costs of operations of the Authority.  Sufficient funds are included in the FY 2027 Recommended Budget of the Solid Waste Division to fund the City’s estimated contribution for the next fiscal year.