Michigan governor approves updates to state’s recycling policies

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed bipartisan legislation that modernizes the state’s waste and recycling collection system. Whitmer signed eight bills (HB 4454-4461, also known as Part 115 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act), into law Dec. 22, 2022. The package of bills promotes the use of recyclables and amends requirements currently in place for materials management.

According to an article on MLive.com, the legislation aims to divert more recyclables from landfills and develop markets for recyclables and compostable organics. The legislation also helps Michigan counties to update solid waste management plans by encouraging regional collaboration when developing landfills, recycling and composting facilities.

Additionally, the legislation aims to boost the state’s recycling rate. MLive.com reports that the state’s recycling rate stands at 19 percent, which lags behind the national average of 34 percent. The legislation sets a goal for the state to achieve a 30 percent recycling rate by 2029, increasing to 45 percent later.

According to a news release from the Washington-based American Chemistry Council (ACC), the legislation also clarifies that chemical recycling facilities using source-separated materials are to be regulated appropriately as manufacturing operations rather than as solid waste facilities. ACC says this makes Michigan the 21st state to recognize advanced recycling technologies as manufacturing rather than as waste disposal.

“Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle recognize the multiple benefits of accelerating advanced recycling technologies to help make the United States the global leader in developing a circular economy for plastics,” says Joshua Baca, vice president of plastics at the ACC. “This new legislation can showcase Michigan’s leadership in plastics recycling.”