Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ENACT 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 81/2-16 OF THE CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(Sponsored by Senator Steve Geller)
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Why Action is Necessary
A Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish notice of public hearing to consider enactment of the Ordinance was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners ("Board") at its meeting of March 11, 2025.
What Action Accomplishes
Allows for the Board's consideration of the proposed Ordinance.
Goal Related Icon(s)
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?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 strategica...
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