Broward County Residents Rally Against Monarch Hill Landfill Expansion, Coconut Creek and Deerfield Beach Mobilize Opposition

The future of the Monarch Hill Landfill has become a topic of contention in Broward County, with a plan to expand the landfill’s size and height pitted against vehement community opposition. Residents have united across Broward, with cities rallying to oppose Waste Management’s proposal in anticipation of the increased impact on their environment and quality of life.

During a special meeting in Coconut Creek, Commissioner Joshua Rydell criticized Waste Management by calling them “bullies,” as reported by

Local10.com

. The company has sought to amend a settlement agreement from 2015, which would relieve the city from objecting to the impending proposal. However, city leaders unanimously elected for engagement over acquiescence, deciding on a collective stance against the expansion in County Hall.

Broward County Commission chambers heard from residents opposing the landfill’s expansion during a recent session, as reported by

NBC Miami

. Packing the chambers, residents expressed earnest pleas, leading officials to postpone a vote on the height variance and land use amendments. The proposed changes include boosting the landfill’s size by 24 acres and increasing its height by a further 100 feet. Deerfield Beach Commissioner Bernie Parness conveyed his skepticism humorously at the meeting, asking, “How many of you have actually been to the top of Monarch mountain? You can see the ocean. Add another hundred feet, we’ll see who’s playing tennis at a resort in the Bahamas.”

Meanwhile, Waste Management has argued that without these expansions, the Monarch Hill Landfill only has enough space to serve for another six years. The closure of the landfill would necessitate hauling garbage over 96 miles away, burdening Broward County with increased costs, estimated to be about $40 million annually. Additionally, they caution that the existing landfill gas-to-energy plant, which delivers power to 9,000 homes daily, would shut down if additional capacity is not allowed, compelling urgent approval of the expansion plans.

Coconut Creek and Deerfield Beach have gone ahead to facilitate resident participation by providing organized transportation to ensure a robust community presence at the County Hall deliberations.

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