Waste

The state estimates more than 330,000 septic systems are failing in Michigan. A new loan program aims to make it more affordable for residents to replace faulty systems.

The county plans are meant to take inventory of their waste landscape, set goals and identify potential opportunities for siting new facilities.

When the Michigan legislature passed a historic overhaul of the state’s waste management law, recycling proponents celebrated. But not everyone was happy with some aspects of the new policy - they say it opens the door to “industrial plastic burning.”

It’s been nearly a month since Michigan quietly implemented an overhaul of its waste management law. State officials addressed the public last week about what the new law means for the future of recycling in Michigan.

Michigan officials said they felt blindsided by news in February that the Norfolk Southern railroad had contracted to dispose of contaminated material from East Palestine at an injection well site in Romulus.

Drop-off opportunities to recycle electronic waste in rural areas are few and far between. So, e-waste tends to pile up in people’s cupboards and basements. The state is now offering grants to create a network of permanent collection sites for old electronics.

In the final hours of lame duck, the Michigan legislature passed a historic bill package that updates the state’s waste law to incentivize recycling. The law goes into effect March 29th, but it’s still unclear what its implementation will mean for the state.

For many of us, putting the trash out by the road is just another routine in our week. One that might draw complaints from the kids if you ask them to do…