Two recent reports have major implications for increasing Michigan’s recycling rate while decreasing solid waste in our landfills. Kirk Heinze discusses these reports, recommendations and key next steps with Kerrin O’Brien, executive director of the Michigan Recycling Coalition, on Greening of the Great Lakes.
The MRC represents recycling and composting interests statewide and is applauding the simultaneous release of two separate reports and sets of recommendations that would shift the focus of Michigan’s waste management strategy to increase recycling. The long-awaited reports show how Michigan can support and benefit from doubling the state’s recycling rate.
The Solid Waste and Sustainability Advisory Panel report calls for revamping Part 115 of PA 451 of 1994, the law governing solid waste and recycling activities in Michigan, to better align with the Michigan Solid Waste Policy. The Governor’s Recycling Council report outlines how to achieve the governor’s goal of doubling Michigan’s current recycling rate from 15 to 30 percent.
According to O’Brien, the reports underscore what the MRC has been advocating over the last 10 years -- that a comprehensive materials management policy framework and targeted investments can turn previously wasted resources into opportunities for Michigan businesses.
The release of these two reports also coincides with Michigan’s 21st Century Infrastructure Report to the Governor and the end of November 2016.
According to the MRC’s 2011 State of Recycling in Michigan report, by reaching a 50 percent recycling rate Michigan could create up to 13,000 new jobs, $300 million in worker income, $3.9 billion in economic activity, and $22 million in additional state tax revenue. “With the right policies, incentives, and infrastructure in place, going beyond 30 percent is entirely possible and being done elsewhere in the country,” says O’Brien.
According to the Governor’s Recycling Council report, $1.3 billion is spent annually to manage waste in Michigan. By updating policies, programs, and incentivizing sustainable materials management, that spend can be partially reallocated to capture those materials for management as resources and sale on the commodities market.
“These reports help point Michigan in the right direction toward more sustainable management of our resources and put millions of dollars’ worth of otherwise wasted resources to work rebuilding our economy,” O’Brien says. “We look forward to working with the governor and lawmakers to implement the recommendations of the two reports.”
The 35th Annual Michigan Recycling Conference and Governor’s Recycling Summit will be held May 17-19 at the Kellogg Center is East Lansing.
Greening of the Great Lakes airs inside MSU Today Sunday afternoons at 4:00 on AM 870 and FM 94.5.