Comment on Waste-to-energy facilities are environmentally responsible, compatible with nearby communities | Opinion

Miramar Mayor Wayne M. Messam is misinformed about the subject of waste-to-energy (WTE), the technology behind Miami-Dade’s proposal that would help manage the disposal of the county’s garbage for decades into the future. In his op-ed, Messam suggests that WTE proponents claim that a new WTE facility for Miami-Dade would have “zero emissions” and “no smells.” The mayor is not specific about the origin of those claims, but here’s the truth: There is no technology for managing garbage (whether via recycling, composting or anerobic digestion) that has zero emissions.