Miami

Miami-Dade Commissioners Vote to Ban Styrofoam at Parks, Beaches

Miami-Dade Commissioners passed an ordinance Tuesday that prohibits the use of Styrofoam at county parks and beaches beginning in 2017.

The item passed with a vote of 11-1.

The ordinance prohibits Styrofoam from being brought onto parks, beaches, marinas and any area operated by the Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Department.

Commissioners said the material is a proven carcinogen that clogs storm drains and hurts wildlife. The legislation calls for a yearlong publicity campaign to explain the new rules and a potential $50 fine after the first year for individuals who bring the material into parks and beaches.

Miami-Dade County joins several other local cities in prohibiting Styrofoam on parks and beaches including Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, Surfside and Bal Harbour.

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