“Every item recycled represents a small but meaningful action toward a healthier environment and a more sustainable future for us all,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This remarkable reduction in recycling contamination demonstrates what can be accomplished when government, schools, community partners, and residents work together toward a shared goal. We are proud of the progress we’ve made, and we thank our residents for embracing better recycling habits that help build a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Miami-Dade.”
Since 2020, DSWM has expanded curbside recycling by adding new materials while launching initiatives to reduce contamination, including:
- Updated recycling cart stickers highlighting accepted materials, soon-to-be deployed.
- Expanded public education and outreach campaigns focused on proper recycling.
- Partnerships with Miami-Dade County Public Schools to educate students.
- Community presentations, workshops, and events promoting the Recycle Right initiative.
- The launch of the SCRAPP mobile app, giving residents instant recycling guidance.
- Educational tours of WM’s recycling facility highlighting how AI technology improves recycling, reduces contamination, and maximizes beneficial reuse.
- Continued collaboration with municipal partners to standardize recycling practices.
Education is complemented by proactive field efforts to reduce contamination. Each month, DSWM Code Enforcement Officers inspect more than 1,000 recycling carts and provide residents with guidance on proper recycling. In addition, AI-powered cameras on recycling collection vehicles help identify contamination, allowing the Department to target education outreach where it is needed most.
Reducing contamination improves the quality and value of recyclable materials, lowers processing costs, decreases landfill disposal, and advances the County’s Zero Waste Master Plan.
Published August 2026