2020 SWANApalooza

Michael Fernandez
Department Director
Miami-Dade Solid Waste Management


Michael J. Fernandez is the Director of the Miami- Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management. In this senior level executive position, he is responsible for the County’s integrated waste management system that includes the collection and disposal of solid waste from more than 340,000 customers, as well as the disposal needs for over 2.7 million County residents. The department employs almost 1,000 employees and operates with a budget of over $500 million. The waste collection operation includes automated curbside garbage and recycling collection; bulky waste collection, litter and illegal dumping collection services; and management and operation of 13 Neighborhood Trash & Recycling Centers. Countywide disposal services include the operation of two Home Chemical Collection Centers for residential drop-off of household hazardous waste, three regional transfer stations, two landfills and a 3,000 ton-per-day waste-to-energy facility and adjacent ash-only landfill. Mr. Fernandez has held numerous senior level positions in the Department of Solid Waste Management to include Deputy Director, Assistant Director of Disposal Operations and Senior Division Director of Transfer Operations. Mr. Fernandez was appointed as department director in May of 2019 to lead the Department’s operations and administration. He is also the Director of the Collection & Transfer Technical Division for the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). Additionally, Fernandez was recognized in 2018 as one of the top 40 waste professionals in the country as part of Waste 360’s “40 Under 40” awards program.

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