Parkland votes to join Broward Solid Waste Authority, citing recycling and long-term cost stability

The Parkland City Commission on July 8 approved a facilities amendment and a second (opt-out) amendment to an interlocal agreement that will allow the city to join the Broward Solid Waste Authority (SWA).

Jackie Weymier, senior director of strategy and intergovernmental affairs, framed the decision as long-term planning: the amendments would help coordinate regional processing and recycling, stabilize disposal options and leverage collective purchasing power. Weymier said the proposed agreement would preserve city participation on governing bodies while creating countywide programs and facilities.

Sam May of the Broward Solid Waste Authority told the commission the authority is close to the participation threshold the master plan requires and that "on average, it's gonna cost about $3" per household — "it's about $3.10" for Parkland in initial projections. May described the funding moving from a population-based charge to a tonnage-based surcharge and said the authority expects to offer drop-off centers, robust recycling education and negotiated disposal pricing that should reduce unpredictability and long-haul hauling costs facing individual cities.

Regional officials and residents spoke in support. Denise Horland, Council President of Plantation, said the agreement will help cities control their waste destiny and warned of the cost consequences other jurisdictions faced after losing local waste‑to‑energy capacity. Denise McFall of the League of Women Voters of Broward urged approval, stressing the environmental and generational importance of the decision.

Commission discussion touched on behavior-change needs to raise recycling rates, the opt-out window that opens after RFPs and award (an initial opt-out opportunity in late 2027), and ensuring Parkland has representation on the SWA executive committee. Commissioners asked about consumer-facing incentives and education; May and Weymier said the authority will focus on education, countywide drop-off centers and transparent pricing, while recognizing incentives for individual recycling (bottle bills, point-of-return payments) are separate state-level policy questions.

On roll call the commission approved Resolution 2026-044 (first amendment – facilities; second amendment – opt-out) unanimously. Sam May thanked the commission for support and said the authority will proceed with RFPs and the procurement steps if member participation continues toward the 80% threshold.

The approval directs staff to execute the amendments and continue engagement with the authority as the RFP and award process advances; an opt-out period will be available to cities after pricing is publicized and the governing board makes recommendations.