Michigan Unveils Plan to Increase Residential Recycling

Michigan’s governor has presented a 15-point plan to increase residential recycling access throughout the state.

Gov. Rick Snyder also made nine appointments to the newly created Michigan Recycling Council to direct the implementation of the plan, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

The plan focuses on four key areas: develop better ways to measure recycling progress; public education and technical assistance; provide convenient access; and develop markets.

Michigan’s residential recycling rate is about 15 percent. A recent study determined that more than $435 million in recyclable metal, glass, paper and plastics in Michigan goes to landfills annually.

“Michigan has a strong tradition of protecting and enhancing its environment,” Snyder said. “But when it comes to recycling, we must do better. Michigan trails other Great Lakes states and much of the nation in residential recycling. It’s a complex challenge but one that we can address. This plan puts us on the right path.”

The state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) drafted the plan, in cooperation with 45 key stakeholders representing the waste industry and waste generators, among others.

The governor’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2015 includes $1 million in appropriation for the effort, along with $500,000 in DEQ pollution prevention grants to support local recycling programs during the next two years.