Mayor Higgins Advances Plastic-Free Initiative on City Property

Published on March 12, 2026

Today, the Miami City Commission unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by Mayor Eileen Higgins and co-sponsored by District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo, that will create and implement a new procurement policy to eliminate the use and distribution of single-use plastics, including Styrofoam, in future City contracts with concessionaires doing business on City property and at City-run concessions, to the greatest extent possible.

Single-use plastics are a major source of litter, and many items, like wrappers, straws, containers, and bottles, are not readily recyclable or biodegradable, often taking hundreds of years to break down. Microplastics have also been detected in marine life and human bloodstreams and organ tissue, raising growing concerns about potential health impacts.

The resolution is a major step forward in Mayor Higgins' commitment to protect Biscayne Bay, reduce litter in neighborhoods, and keep plastic waste out of the stormwater system, canals, and waterways. The new policy will focus on practical changes in how the City contracts with vendors and operates concessions, helping reduce common plastic items such as straws, utensils, cups, lids, and bags, while allowing limited exceptions, such as certain prepackaged food items.

"Miami residents are tired of seeing plastic in our streets, our storm drains, and our waterways, and they are right to demand action," said Mayor Eileen Higgins. "Today we took a clear step forward by making City operations match our values, protecting our environment, and reducing waste. There is no reason to keep using single-use plastics and Styrofoam when compostable and plastic-free options are readily available and affordable. We are going to move quickly to implement this policy and work with vendors and event partners to make the transition practical and successful."

"Protecting Biscayne Bay and keeping our neighborhoods clean requires practical steps that reduce waste before it ever reaches our streets or waterways. I'm proud to work with Mayor Higgins to move Miami toward more sustainable practices while ensuring a practical transition for our vendors and partners," said City of Miami District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo. "Every plastic straw, cup, or bag that avoids entering our storm drains is a win for Biscayne Bay, its wildlife, and for the future of our city. This resolution focuses on what the City can control - aligning the City's procurement policies with responsible environmental practices, and taking a thoughtful, practical step toward reducing plastic waste while supporting a smoother transition for the businesses that work with us."

"More and more non-plastic and compostable products are becoming available on the market, allowing the City to lead by example in going plastic-free in our concessions. We're looking forward to doing our part to reduce pollution in Biscayne Bay and reduce waste going to landfills," said Chief Resilience Officer Sonia Brubaker.

Under the resolution, new City concession contracts will include requirements prohibiting single-use plastics, including Styrofoam, and City-operated concessions will move to eliminate single-use plastics within one year. This action builds on Miami's existing work to reduce Styrofoam in City parks and beaches and reflects the City's broader resilience efforts to reduce pollution, protect public health, and safeguard the natural resources that make Miami a global destination.

NOTE: In compliance with State law, this measure does not create a citywide ban and does not regulate private businesses across Miami. It directs the City Manager to develop a procurement policy that applies primarily to future City contracts with concessionaires operating on City property and to City-run concessions, and it is designed to be implemented through new contracts and future solicitations so vendors have time to adjust as agreements are renewed or reissued.