The state of Michigan established the goal of increasing statewide recycling from 14% in 2019 to 45% by 2030. To reach this target, the state increased funding for recycling support, leading to a multiyear collaboration between the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and The Partnership. Michigan, just one of the states with whom The Partnership is working on the ground to lead statewide change, has entrusted The Partnership to drive systematic change by developing programs with communities, local and regional MRFs, haulers, solid waste management authorities, environmental nonprofit organizations, and industry partners.
The programs provide a range of support, including carts for curbside recycling, improved drop-off recycling, enhanced MRF operations, and The Partnership’s Feet on the Street program to improve the quantity and quality of material captured (see page 11). In the first year of this collaboration, the recycling quality improvement program resulted in a 35% average reduction in contamination for curbside collection programs, a 26% average contamination reduction for drop-off programs, and a 10% increase in participation across most involved communities. The Partnership continues to work with EGLE to design and execute additional recycling projects to strengthen residential recycling across Michigan.
See more stories of how The Recycling Partnership is solving with communities like the state of Michigan in the 2022 Impact Report.