Ecology Center

Senate Takes Action to Protect Michigan from Waste

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, October 9, 2003

Lansing – With bipartisan support, the Michigan Senate today passed a package of bills that address landfill concerns in Michigan. The bills expand the list of items prohibited from landfills, to include whole scrap tires and beverage containers. The bills also require that waste imported from outside of Michigan meet Michigan standards. The package is designed to ensure that landfills in Michigan are operated as safely as possible, and for as long as possible, in order to protect the health of Michigan residents and to minimize the need for new landfills across the state. Currently, 20 % of the waste disposed of in Michigan landfills is imported from other states and Canada.

"These bills are the first positive steps in years to address our concerns about solid waste management practices and Michigan’s dismal recycling rate," said James Clift, Policy Director of the Michigan Environmental Council. "We’re pleased with both the breadth of the package and the bipartisan effort to work on solutions to this problem."

The package of bills also includes increased outreach and enforcement. It requires that residents across the state annually receive a list of the banned products and information about other disposal or alternative collection options. It also includes enhanced enforcement mechanisms that will ensure that all waste disposed of in Michigan, whether generated in Michigan or from outside the state, meets Michigan standards. These standards will reduce the risk of landfills contaminating aquifers and, in the long-term, slow our need to dedicate valuable land resources to more landfills.

"On behalf of the Don’t Trash Michigan campaign and the 29 endorsing organizations across the state, we would like to thank the members of the Michigan Senate that supported this package of bills," said Brad van Guilder of the Ecology Center "Michigan has been long-overdue to re-examine its solid waste practices and adopt policies that encourage the diversion of waste from landfills. This is an important step forward for Michigan’s environment and for the health and safety of Michigan residents."

"These bills are definitely a step in the right direction for recycling in Michigan," said . Gayle Miller, Conservation Program Coordinator for the Mackinac Chapter of the Sierra Club. "Keeping recyclable products out of our landfills, and making those resources available as feedstock for new products, is good for the environment and the economy."

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brad van Guilder, Ecology Center, (734) 663-2400 ext. 114
James Clift, Michigan Environmental Council, (517) 487-9539