Michigan Raises More Ire Over High Trash Totals

Lynn Schenkman

Lansing, Mich. -- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has released its 2003 Solid Waste Report, which states that imported waste represented 25 percent of all waste disposed in Michigan landfills in 2003. The state accepted 62,615,429 cubic yards of solid waste last year, up from 57,540,922 cubic yards, according to the report. Waste disposed from other states and Canada increased approximately 35 percent from 2002 to 15,499,468. The report says the largest amount of imported garbage continues to come from Canada. DEQ Director Steven E. Chester said the increase in out-of-state waste highlights the need for the state Legislature to expedite solid waste legislation currently before it.