Trash, Recycling And Responsibility

Thirty years ago, our community was one of the first to adopt commingled recyclables with Waste Management. I recall moving here 34 years ago when trash went into large green bins and collected once weekly. As a mother of two young children, waiting a week for trash pickup, especially in summer heat, was challenging.

I worked with Mayor Eudyce Stenberg to implement alternative options, including twice-weekly pick-ups and the ability to purchase an extra bin. At the time, Waste Management operated a sorting station on the outskirts of Pembroke Pines until about 15 years ago. The plant was sorting everything. The rest was composted. When they stopped processing a lawsuit followed involving five cities. We did not settle and ended up winning the case with a $350,000 judgement.

Now, we use blue and green bins for waste, collected by two types of trucks and have been recycled until this year. If Recyclables are contaminated, they are combined with regular trash and sent to the landfill, resulting in wasted resources.

Hallandale Beach has extremely limited authority over waste disposal. This function by state statute is managed at the county level. The county has acknowledged the inadequacies of the current system. In response, a solid waste authority was established. The goal was to pursue a unified strategy for Recycling and Solid Waste Management across the region alongside the cities.

Recycling programs have become increasingly ineffective for several reasons, including contamination and market forces. When market demand does not offset the costs of Recycling, continuing the practice becomes unsustainable. As a result, we have made the decision to temporarily suspend Recycling Services.

While we remain committed to environmental responsibility, it would be fiscally imprudent to impose additional costs on our customers at this time. Recycling will remain on hold until a cost-effective solution can be implemented.

The plant I mentioned is reopening out west, but we have no contract with them. Breaking our current contract would incur costs and more than likely a lawsuit. My colleagues and I have monitored this for three years and are seeking better options.

Currently, some condominiums have been advised they are able to secure independent contracts. This decision should be made collectively by the board and unit owners, with clear understanding of each party's responsibilities. Even then they need to work with the collector that has a franchise agreement with us.

Trash pickup for single-family homes is managed by the City. Multi-family residences like duplexes, quads and condominiums also receive City Trash service. Commercial properties needing compactors may contract services as needed.

Keep trash and bins out of sight until the evening before collection. If bins are overfilled, you may need to request more bins. Bulk items and landscaping waste are only collected on your scheduled day, which rotates each Tuesday by quadrant; place them outside no earlier than the night before. Landscaping waste covers basic yard debris—no large tree removals or heavy wood bricks. Bulk collection excludes electronics, hazardous waste, and construction materials. Construction debris requires a designated container from our C&D contractors, called Coastal Waste or Waste Pro. For smaller jobs, regular junk pickup may be a cost-effective option.

As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share!