Michigan Expanded E-Waste Recycling in the Upper Peninsula

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Electronic Waste Take-Back Program, run by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has provided more opportunities for residents of the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) to recycle their unwanted old electronic items.

The program has played a crucial role in diverting tons of electronic waste from landfills, thus reducing environmental harm. Since 2021, it has opened nine new permanent e-waste drop-off locations, thus doubling the number of available drop-off options in the U.P. The expansion is in line with the state’s goal of making e-waste recycling services accessible to all Michiganders, especially to those in rural areas.

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Steve Noble, a recycling specialist at EGLE emphasized on the need of safe handling of electronic waste so as to prevent leaching of harmful chemicals into soil and water. The responsible recycling of discarded electronics also provides an opportunity to recover and reuse valuable materials, especially precious metals.

Despite the addition of drop-off locations, recycling of e-waste in the U.P. continues to remain challenging as the residents still face significant hurdles including lack of availability of nearby recycling facilities. With e-waste prohibited in curbside, residents are being forced to take their electronic items to locations, which are hundreds of miles away.