Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish Notice of Public Hearing to be held on April 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 422 of Governmental Center East to consider enactment of a proposed Ordinance, the title of which is as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO GARBAGE AND TRASH; REPEALING AND CREATING A NEW ARTICLE V OF CHAPTER 14, INCLUDING SECTIONS 14-150 THROUGH 14-154, OF THE BROWARD COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES (“CODE”) RELATING TO BATTERY DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING; PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT; AMENDING SECTION 8½-16 OF THE CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(Sponsored by Senator Steve Geller)
body
Why Action is Necessary
The proposed Ordinance was prepared by the County Attorney’s Office as directed by the Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) on February 6, 2024.
What Action Accomplishes
Enables the setting of a public hearing during which the Board may consider enacting the proposed Ordinance.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
As the use of battery-powered devices, such as portable electronics, power tools, and smart products, continues to rise, so does the volume of improperly discarded batteries. These batteries contain hazardous chemicals that may leach into soil, groundwater, and surface water, potentially contaminating the food supply and harming public health. Lithium batteries, in particular, pose a serious fire risk, as they have been known to ignite in waste hauler trucks, landfills, and waste-to-energy facilities, endangering workers and causing costly damage. Additionally, many batteries contain valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, silver, and graphite, which are considered critical minerals by the U.S. Geological Survey. Recycling these materials is not only environmentally beneficial but also economically and strategically important to the United States.
To address these risks, this proposed Ordinance would prohibit disposing of certain batteries and battery-containing products in regular trash, garbage receptacles, or solid waste disposal facilities unless done through an approved recycling program or in accordance with applicable laws. This would ensure that hazardous materials do not enter the environment and that valuable minerals can be recovered and reused.
If enacted the proposed Ordinance would also establish a battery recycling and disposal program in Broward County to prevent environmental contamination and reduce fire hazards. Beginning on January 1, 2026, it would require certain retailers that sell batteries to set up free, on-site collection programs for used batteries, ensuring proper recycling and disposal. The proposed Ordinance covers various battery types, all of which weigh two (2) pounds or less. Retailers must display signage informing consumers about safe disposal, and violations carry fines ranging from $250 to $500 per offense. The proposed Ordinance aims to promote public safety, environmental protection, and resource conservation by keeping hazardous battery materials out of landfills.
Source of Additional Information
René D. Harrod, Chief Deputy County Attorney, 954-357-7600
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
The Fiscal Impact Statement by the Office of Management and Budget will be provided at the time of the public hearing, in compliance with Section 18.5(e)(7) of the Broward County Administrative Code.