The results of the Michigan Recycling Measurement Studyillustrate the need for a proactive approach to fostering recycling programs,businesses and markets in the state. The Recycling Measurement Project is thefirst comprehensive effort to quantify the activities of Michigan's recyclingindustries.
With a population of around 10 million, Michigan has 748curbside and dropoff programs serving an estimated 5.3 million and 3.4 millionpeople, respectively. Despite the number of programs, according to the MichiganRecycling Coalition, the state is being underserved.
Municipalities, townships and villages make up a majorityof programs. These units operate and/or manage 493 programs. County agenciesoperate and/or manage 150 programs, while governmental authorities, privatebusinesses and non-profits are responsible for 46, 40 and 21 respectively.
A total of 225 curbside and 92 dropoff programs acceptresidential yard waste. This provides services to around 3 million and 4.3million people, respectively.
Michigan has a total of 163 compost sites and 49 materialrecovery facilities. A need for more investment in recycling is supported byMRC’s estimation that in 1999, the state achieved a recycling rate of 16%.
A total of 2,509,567 tons of MSW were recycled, withbreakouts by the following materials: Glass, 149,339 tons; Metals, 866,258tons; Organics, 739,904 tons; Paper, 712,526 tons; Plastics, 21,632 tons; andother material, 19,908 Tons
Even with a 16% recycling rate, the recycling industry isestimated at nearly $2 billion per year in Michigan. Economic impacts show thatprocessing activities alone, not including collection or end use/manufacturing,generated revenues of $1,952 million in 1999. Additionally, recyclingprocessing resulted in 5,687 jobs, and approximately $243 million in wages in1999.