Miami-Dade's Waste to Energy Dilemma: Can We Learn from Singapore's Success?

Miami-Dade County is currently grappling with a waste management crisis, particularly concerning the future of waste-to-energy (WTE) solutions. The issue came to a head in February 2023, when a fire severely damaged the county’s primary WTE facility in Doral, leading to its decommissioning. In response, county officials considered constructing a new incinerator, but the proposal faced significant backlash from environmental groups, local communities, and public figures like Eric Trump, who cited concerns about health risks and environmental impacts. In January 2025, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recommended abandoning the incinerator project, highlighting potential legal hurdles and high costs.

In contrast, Singapore, one of the various advanced city-states around the world, offers a compelling model for effectively managing waste-to-energy (WTE) within urban environments. Despite its high population density, Singapore has successfully established waste-to-energy plants in the city's core without posing significant health risks. The key to this success is advanced technology and strict emission standards. Facilities like the Tuas Incineration Plant employ state-of-the-art filtration systems and thorough scrubbing processes to ensure that emissions meet or surpass international air quality standards. The country’s ability to blend waste management with urban planning has not only minimized environmental impact but also produced electricity for nearly 1,000,000 households each year.

To address its waste disposal needs, Miami-Dade County is currently exploring alternative strategies:

1. Utilizing Existing Landfill Contracts: Agreements with Waste Management and Waste Connections are providing landfill capacity to handle current waste volumes.

2. Exploring New Landfill Sites: The county is assessing the feasibility of establishing a new landfill outside its borders to ensure long-term waste management solutions.

3. Reassessing WTE Options: Despite setbacks, the Miami-Dade County Infrastructure Committee is seeking expert opinions on potential WTE facilities, suggesting an interest in revisiting the concept.

Meanwhile, at the state level, legislation introduced by State Senator Bryan Avila seeks to restrict the construction of new incinerators near residential, commercial, or educational areas, highlighting the political and regulatory challenges ahead.

This raises the question: Could Miami-Dade adopt Singapore’s advanced WTE technology to safely manage waste and reduce landfill dependency without risking public health? By investing in cutting-edge emissions controls and transparent regulatory frameworks, Miami-Dade might transform its waste management challenges into a sustainable and efficient energy solution.

As Miami-Dade continues to evaluate its options, the most recent commission meeting on February 19, 2025, asked department heads for a study within 120 days. Looking towards Singapore's model could provide a blueprint for a cleaner, more efficient, and publicly acceptable WTE approach. The path forward will hinge on a balanced strategy that addresses environmental concerns, community health, and economic feasibility.