Michigan breaks recycling rate record for third straight year

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - For the third consecutive year, Michigan has broken its recycling record and is now on track to reach the state’s goal of having 30% of the state’s residents committed to recycling by 2029.

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy announced Monday that Michiganders recycled 703,369 tons of material over the last fiscal year, beating last year’s previous record by 82,000 tons. That includes more than 330,000 tons of paper products over the last fiscal year, along with more than 237,000 tons of metal, 67,000 tons of glass and 58,000 tons of plastics.

According to EGLE, Michigan had the lowest recycling rate in the Great Lakes region: 14.25% in 2019. Last year, the average was up to 21%. This year, it is now over 23%.

EGLE and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer credit the surge in recycling rate to expanded access.

“We are becoming leaders on recycling and we must continue getting better,” Whitmer said in a statement. “My administration is committed to working with EGLE to promote recycling by making it easier and more effective. Let’s work together to protect our natural resources and keep Michigan beautiful.”

According to EGLE, recycling services were rolled out in more than 30 new communities last year and another 245,000 curbside carts were doled out. Plans are already in place for four more communities and an estimated 88,000 new carts.

To celebrate the record year, EGLE also announced another round of infrastructure grants worth $5 million to help communities across the state expand and promote their programs, including $500,000 for the Van Buren Conservation District.

“(The grant) will enable the Van Buren Conservation District to partner with eight of the district’s 11 transfer station drop-off centers to increase recycling services that are available throughout Van Buren County. The project will focus on infrastructure upgrades at each of the eight locations that will increase capacity, efficiency, safety, and services for Van Buren County residents,” EGLE stated.

Recycling supports 72,500 jobs across the state and contributes more than $17 billion annually to the state’s economic output.

“Recycling is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do,” EGLE Director Phil Roos said in a statement. “Recycling properly saves Michigan taxpayers money by increasing the value of recycled materials, supporting Michigan jobs and improving the health of the environment.”