EGLE Launches New Initiative to  Drive Michigan Materials Management Forward

EGLE Launches New Initiative to 
Drive Michigan Materials Management Forward

Michigan is in the process of transforming its Solid Waste Management Program to encompass all managed materials.  This means rather than focusing on solid waste (trash) going into landfills, the state is working toward the highest and best use practices for ALL materials; this includes recyclables, organics, solid waste, and other material types.  This shift will allow the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), to continue minimizing the impacts of the material choices made every day, and work to establish convenient, inclusive access to recycling, composting, and waste reduction opportunities.  

To begin this transformation, EGLE is launching a new initiative:  The Michigan Materials Management (M3) Roadmap.  The purpose of the M3 Roadmap is to allow users to easily find all materials management activities that will aid in this shift.  Further, one of the first steps of the M3 Roadmap is to collect information on the current status of materials management systems for all municipalities within Michigan’s 83 counties for the development of future materials management plans. 

What is the M3 Roadmap?

As Michigan transitions to this new materials management focus, the state is looking to gather more comprehensive data on the current status of materials management infrastructure.  In the future, this will allow the state to determine gaps and challenges at all levels, specifically challenges regarding efficiency and convenience of recycling.  It is important for the state, as a whole, to work together as each sector involved in materials management, from facilities to municipalities, will play a key role in the success of Michigan’s materials management efforts.  

What is included in the M3 Roadmap? 

This initiative includes several phases:  data collection, online reporting and registration, and updated County Materials Management Plans, which are expected to be called for in the future.  Michigan is developing a new and improved electronic platform for all facility registrations and annual reports including voluntary reporters who are not required to report under statute.  This will help streamline the process for facilities, as well as make it easier for the state to aggregate data, while providing valuable data for the development of new infrastructure and programs where needed.  

What can you do to help? 

EGLE has contracted with Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) to contact communities, facilities, and materials management organizations to start the data collection process.  Part of this process will be to begin registering and inputting information into these new online modules.  Keep an eye out for communications from RRS and EGLE, and help guide Michigan forward!   

For more information, the initiative’s new website will be available at Michigan.gov/EGLEM3 or contact the Sustainable Materials Management Unit at EGLE-MaterialsManagementPlanning@michigan.gov. 

EGLE and RRS recently presented at the Michigan’s Recycling Coalition virtual conference explaining the transition and first step of the M3 Roadmap – Mega-Data.  Please view the presentation by going to:  https://youtu.be/XVlaGhs4pnQ.

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