BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The use of single use plastic straws and beverage stirrers are now banned on Broward County properties.  Commissioners passed a resolution this week with the overall goal to better protect the environment, wildlife, marine life and reduce litter. 

The resolution says that single-use plastic beverage straws, and single-use plastic stirrers may not be purchased by the County or used by individuals on County property, used or provided by temporary vendors on County property, or used or provided by entities engaged in a contractual relationship with the County for the provision of goods or services on County property.  The resolution also bans the use of confetti and sky lanterns on County property.

"This is about trying to get ahead of the amount of waste going into the waste stream and the environment. The amount of plastic expected to be used is phenomenal. The real crux here is to reduce litter, including the amount of plastics. It may not make a huge dent, but this is a change in mindset," said Commissioner Beam Furr.

"This is a public safety matter.  We need to pass this now and if we have to change it, we can amend it later. That would be my goal," said Commissioner Lamar P. Fisher.

"We have been working on this months and months. The focus of what this is supposed to be is that these products are not recyclable or biodegradable here.  This is about litter and the environment," said Commissioner Nan Rich. "We need to get started. This is our planet!"  

Some Commissioners requested deferring the resolution for further study, but after much discussion the resolution passed by the majority of Commissioners.  Discussion can viewed here.

Broward County's Climate Change Action Plan calls for the reduction of plastic waste on County property as they pose a threat not only to wildlife, but to our waterways, ecosystems and contaminate the public drainage system. 

The ordinance also notes that the waters surrounding the County support threatened and endangered species such as the West Indian manatee, and beaches within the County support shorebird species and are designated nesting habitats for the protected loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles, which are vulnerable to polystyrene and plastic wastes harming their health and habitat.

April 29, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kimberly Maroe
Commission Public Information Mgr
(954) 357-8053