Fact check: How many incinerators are currently operating in Florida?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, there are conflicting numbers regarding the current count of operating incinerators in Florida. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection reports 11 operating waste-to-energy facilities as of 2022 ^[1]. However, other sources indicate 10 waste incineration facilities operating in the state, also from 2022 data ^[2]. A third source mentions nine existing incinerators but focuses specifically on their demographic impact rather than providing a comprehensive count ^[3].

The most authoritative source appears to be the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which would have official regulatory oversight of these facilities. Covanta operates seven of Florida's waste-to-energy facilities out of the total count ^[4], making it the dominant operator in the state.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important contextual information that emerges from the analyses:

• Environmental justice concerns: Six of the incinerators are located in areas with higher percentages of people of color than the statewide average ^[3], suggesting potential environmental racism in facility placement decisions.
• Geographic concentration: Palm Beach County hosts the nation's largest waste burning complex with two trash incinerators and plans for a new $1.5 billion facility ^[5], indicating significant regional concentration of these facilities.
• Corporate consolidation: Covanta's control of seven facilities demonstrates significant market concentration in Florida's waste-to-energy sector ^[4], which could influence policy decisions and expansion plans.
• Economic implications: The planned $1.5 billion incinerator in Palm Beach County represents massive capital investment that benefits construction companies, equipment manufacturers, and waste management corporations ^[5].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself is neutral and factual, seeking basic operational data. However, the term "incinerators" could be considered loaded language, as the industry prefers "waste-to-energy facilities" to emphasize energy production benefits rather than waste burning ^{[1] [2]}.

The question also lacks temporal specificity - asking for "currently operating" facilities without acknowledging that the most recent official data appears to be from 2022 ^{[1] [2]}, meaning the actual current count as of July 2025 may differ due to new construction, closures, or regulatory changes.

The framing omits the controversial nature of these facilities and their disproportionate impact on communities of color ^[3], which environmental justice advocates would argue is essential context for any discussion of incinerator operations in Florida.