FAQs

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  1.  How can I get involved?
    The City of Miami Beach hosts events throughout the year, such as Earth Day, Family & Community Service Day, dune restorations, coastal cleanups, and hazardous waste drop-offs. Visit our Upcoming Events page to see future volunteer opportunities and other environmentally-related activities. We are constantly updating our Upcoming Events page, so we recommend checking the page frequently. If you would like to sign up for our volunteer mailing list please email Sustainability@miamibeachfl.gov.
  2. What is the Sustainability Committee? The role of the Sustainability Committee is to identify and promote policies and practices within the City to help achieve a sustainable environment. This Committee is chaired by residents and meets last Tuesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. in City Hall (1700 Convention Center Drive, 4th Floor). The meetings are open to the public. Visit our Sustainability Committee page to learn more.
  3. Do you offer internship opportunities?Internships are subject to availability for College/University students seeking a degree in an Environmental or Science related field. Florida International University students are encouraged to contact the FIU career services department for paid internship opportunities. Internship responsibilities and duties include researching various environmental topics such as green building, dune enhancement, beach health, turtle nesting, seawalls, and stormwater issues. This includes assisting the Environment and Sustainability Department. Interns will have the opportunity to choose an area of interest related to the general work plan of the Department. Please send a cover letter and resume to Sustainability@miamibeachfl.gov.
  4. Where can I learn more about recycling?Check out our Recycling page to learn more about the City's recycling ordinance and about recycling in general.
  5. What is the City doing about climate change and sea level rise?Visit our Miami Beach Rising Above page to learn about the city's regional and international collaborations to prepare for future climate change impacts.
  6. Are there sea turtles in Miami Beach?
    Yes, there are sea turtles that nest on Miami Beach from April 1 through October 31! To find out more about sea turtles and how artificial lights may be harmful to them, visit our Sea Turtles page.
  7. What do I do if I come across an injured animal?
    If you have come across an animal that is believed to be either injured or in danger, please contact our friends at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at 1.888.404.FWCC or the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station.
  8. Where can I read the laws passed by the City regarding the environment?
    Check out our Green Ordinances page to read the City's environmentally-focused ordinances.
  9. Where is Styrofoam (Expanded Polystyrene) banned in the city?On September 2, 2015, the City Commission adopted Ordinance No.2015-3962 prohibiting the sale and use of expanded polystyrene (also known as Styrofoam) within the City. This is an amendment to the current ordinance that has banned Styrofoam from parks, beaches, city-owned facilities, sidewalk cafes, special event permits, city marinas, docks, piers and boat ramps. Styrofoam has been found to be a harmful pollutant because it is not easily recycled and also consists of non-biodegradable qualities that break up easily in the environment. The close proximity of our public spaces to our beaches and waterways makes polystyrene a troublesome pollutant. The City of Miami Beach encourages residents and businesses to use reusable containers which are less impactful than Styrofoam and help reduce waste headed for the County’s landfills. Learn more about city-wide regulations.