Whitmer OK’s massive overhaul to Michigan’s recycling policies

Whitmer Bill Signing

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs off on her 1,000th bipartisan bill.

Long-awaited changes to Michigan’s recycling policies are coming after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday signed into law an eight-bill package which would overhaul the state’s solid waste laws to promote recycling.

The legislation – spanning from House Bill 4454 through 4461 – would modernize waste management in Michigan and increase recycling and composting by overhauling regulations in the solid waste law, known as Part 115 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Among the changes outlined in the package, it would divert more recyclable material from landfills and develop inroads to the growing circular economy for recyclables and compostable organics.

The move was immediately hailed by supporters as being a critical update, with Michigan Recycling Coalition Executive Director Kerrin O’Brien thanking Whitmer, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and the legislature for advancing the policy.

“The changes to Michigan solid waste law embodied in this bill package are the key to growing recycling and composting opportunities for residents and businesses across Michigan. ... We look forward to supporting local governments as they plan and implement programs and services to manage waste more productively in the future,” O’Brien said in a statement.

The package had been stalled in the Michigan Senate since 2021 prior to it clearing the upper chamber late Wednesday, Dec. 7. The House soon after took it up with changes before approving it as well and sending it to the governor.

The primary bill, HB 4454, passed 22-10 in the Senate and the House voted 74-23 to approve.

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Among other reforms, the bills would help Michigan counties update solid waste management plans by encouraging regional collaboration when developing landfills, recycling, and composting facilities. Curbside service in larger communities and convenient drop-off sites for counties would become benchmark standards in a policy update that advocates say is needed to move the state toward a circular economy.

Michigan’s dismal 19 percent recycling rate lags the national average of 34 percent. The bills make it a state goal to reach 30 percent by 2029, increasing to 45 percent thereafter.

Jim Holcomb, Michigan Chamber president and CEO, praised the reforms in a statement as being historic and “the kind of pragmatic problem solving that is good for our environment, Michiganders and business.”

“This legislation enables Michigan communities to work in partnership with industry to utilize the latest science and a market-driven approach to ensure far better recycling and materials management – long overdue in the Great Lakes State,” he said. “We appreciate the Governor’s and Legislature’s leadership to work cooperatively on this important issue that will significantly bolster Michigan’s sustainability efforts and for all to work, live and play.”

The bipartisan package did see some opposition from Democrats during final passage due to inclusion of language that would allow manufacturers to use certain controversial chemical and heating methods to break down plastics.

Other last-minute amendments sought by the waste disposal industry reduced how much say local governments have in landfill siting and operation.

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