Michigan Recycling Bill Faces Controversy

Wendy Angel

Lansing -- State and local officials have mixed reactions to a bill recently passed by the Michigan legislature that creates a statewide recycling coordinator position. While some favored the idea of a statewide position to aid Michigan's recycling efforts, others thought the proposed law does not do enough to promote recycling.

The law, which passed the state House with a vote of 58-44 after passing in the Senate, now awaits Gov. Jennifer Granholm's signature. According to spokeswoman Liz Boyd, the governor has not decided whether to sign the bill or veto it.

In 2003, only 15 percent of Michigan's municipal waste was recycled, placing the state's recycling rate among the bottom few states, according to the Michigan Recycling Partnership.