Nearly one year ago, the state legislature passed a massive overhaul of its waste management law.
Now, as part of the new policy, the state is asking counties to begin developing materials management plans in January.
The law aims to incentivize recycling infrastructure and expand the state's capacity to handle waste — without relying on landfills.
The county plans are meant to take inventory of their waste landscape, set goals and identify potential opportunities for siting new facilities.
Christina Miller is a materials management specialist with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). In an April conference, she said county planning is an extensive process, and it's better to start sooner rather than later.
"All the plans will have an implementation strategy in there to help meet the goals," Miller said. "And you’ll be required to show progress to receive funding going forward."
In a statement announcing the calls for plans, EGLE Director Phil Roos said the plans are important in "changing the mindset from treat our trash as a burden to that of using it as a valuable resource."
“This is a time for municipalities, counties and residents to work together to increase our recycling rate, decrease our reliance on landfills and build an economy that puts unwanted materials to a new use,” Roos said.
With the updated law, the state hopes to increase its recycling rate from around 20 — to 45% by 2030.
Beginning Jan. 8, counties will have six months to say if they are developing their own plan. After submitting a notice of intent, the planning process will follow a three-year timeline (see below).
