In 2022, Miami sank 345 tons of concrete from a demolished waterfront pier instead of dumping it; the rubble became a reef rising 8 feet from the seafloor

Miami-Dade County has developed an innovative approach by creating artificial reefs using demolished concrete. The materials from Bentley Bay Pier were repurposed and deployed at Julia Tuttle Artificial Reef Site. This project enhances marine habitats and promotes ecological growth beneath the ocean waves. It reflects a shift towards environmentally conscious decision-making in urban infrastructure. Such initiatives demonstrate the potential for old materials to support marine conservation efforts.