One of my biggest motivators to starting GreenerMiami was the fact that my condominium does not provide a recycling program. I have been researching this issue online and it has led me down a winding path of confusion.
Only having arrived in Miami in July, I didn’t understand the difference, at first, between the City of Miami jurisdiction and Miami-Dade County jurisdiction. Therefore, I first researched the Solid Waste section of the Miami-Dade website and found that condos in Miami-Dade county MUST recycle. However, I am coming to realize that since I am a resident of the City of Miami, I have different rules.
At first I tried to call 311, Miami’s information service for local government services. Calling from my home phone, I received a recording that says that 311 was not available for my phone number and/or zip code. Now visiting the site, I see that I can dial 305-468-5900 as an alternative.
But after the original 3-1-1 number failed, I contacted the City of Miami’s Solid Waste Department at (305) 575-5107. I explained that I live in a condo, larger that 4 units, and my condo does not provide a recycling service - is there a place that I can bring my recyclable products? I was given a phone number for a private waste collection service, which would be more appropriate if I was a property manager, not a resident. I tried to clarify - is there a place I can drop-off my items? The answer: No. I also asked - is there a law that requires condos to recycle? The answer: No.
Hmmm. I’m no closer to a solution than I was when I woke up this morning. In Recycling Chronicles, Part II, I’ll try 311 again, using the alternative number.
I’m going through the same dilemma right now. Were you ever able to sort out this issue for yourself? If so please email me back.
I’ve always recycled and have recently moved to a condo as a renter where recycling is not offered because it’s not cost effective for them….(nevermind environmentally effective!).and when I was searching on the internet I found out it was the law for miami-dade county. You brought up a valid point which made me wonder…how do I know whether I’m in the City of Miami or Miami-Dade County? I’ve saved my recycling from the last two weeks and have driven around all of miami looking for somewhere to drop it off. The miami-dade waste management site offers many locations for waste and recycling centers, but like you I was disappointed to find out that they don’t actually accept regular recycling. No one I speak to has an answer for my dilemma I feel like everyone is sending me in a circle. I’m not quite sure which I find more frustrating….not finding anyhwere to recycle, or feeling like I’m the only one that gives a crap in my community.