Part 115 Implementation Series: Part 1 -  Facility and Authorization Types

This is the first part of a seven-part series of messages from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).  The messages will share details on the amendments to Part 115, Solid Waste Management, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (Part 115).  The amendments were passed by the legislature in December 2022 and became effective on March 29, 2023.

The changes to Part 115 make a fundamental policy shift from focusing on disposal capacity for waste to viewing waste as a resource to be utilized.  The goals of this policy shift are to:

• Reduce overall waste generated.
• Provide for innovative reuse of materials.
• Create an integrated waste management system.
• Increase recycling, waste diversion, and utilization.

The changes to Part 115 create updated requirements for facilities that manage unwanted materials.  These requirements were designed to safeguard our state’s public health and environment and support the economic growth and development of Michigan’s future.  Creating standardized requirements levels the playing field across industry while minimizing environmental and human health impacts, nuisances, and providing more regulatory certainty.

Facility Types

Facilities regulated under Part 115 now include “Disposal Areas” and “Materials Management Facilities”.

Disposal Areas include:

• Solid Waste Landfills.
• Processing and Transfer Facilities.
• Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators.

Materials Management Facilities include:

• Waste Diversion Centers
• Materials Utilizations Facilities, which include:
  • Materials Recovery Facilities.
  • Composting Facilities.
  • Anaerobic Digesters.
  • Innovative Technology Facilities.

Authorization Types

Authorization types for Disposal Facilities and Materials Management Facilities are based on their size and risk to public health and the environment.  Authorization types include:

• Notifications.
• Registrations.
• General Permits.
• Construction Permits and Operating Licenses.

There are new requirements for Disposal Areas and Materials Management Facilities under the Part 115 amendments.  All Disposal Areas and Materials Management Facilities that are required to notify and/or report must use the Re-TRAC platform, a web-based system, to meet their reporting requirements.

Please send question regarding the Part 115 amendments, to the Solid Waste Mailbox at  EGLE-MMD-SW@Michigan.gov.  Please see our Materials Management Program Maps Web page to find staff to help with questions on solid waste, recycling, and Materials Management Planning.