Register today for the next Building Strong Foundations for Sustainable Materials Management Webinar
Building sustainable materials management programs requires more than good intentions—it demands strong operational foundations. Clear frameworks, ordinances, agreements, partnerships, and reliable funding mechanisms are the building blocks that turn plans into action and ensure long-term success. This mini-series is designed to help communities and organizations establish these essential foundations. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, we’ll explore how to create systems that support materials management programs and goals, and that provide the capacity and stability needed to make them effective and sustainable. Whether you’re starting a program from scratch or strengthening existing efforts, these sessions will give you the tools and insights needed to build successful programs that work—and keep working.
Who should attend: County and municipal officials, regional planning agencies, Designated Planning Agents, solid waste and recycling professionals, sustainability professionals, environmental nonprofits, and anyone interested in advancing local sustainable materials management solutions.
Webinar recordings are posted online for viewing on demand. Anyone who registers will:
- Get notification when the recording is available.
- Receive a copy of the presentation handout.
- Get resource and contact links for taking a deeper dive into each webinar topic.
Upcoming Webinars in the Mini-Series
How do communities fund programs that reduce waste, increase recycling, and promote sustainability? This webinar explores two key funding mechanisms—millages and user fees—and how they can support long-term, effective materials management programs.
Participants will learn:
- What millages and user fees are and how they work
- The benefits and challenges of each approach
- Real-world examples of communities successfully implementing these funding strategies
- Practical considerations for planning and gaining public support
Whether you’re a local government official, sustainability professional, or community advocate, this session will provide actionable insights to help you build a strong financial foundation for sustainable materials programs.
Clear ordinances and well-structured contracts are essential for building strong recycling and other materials management programs. This webinar will highlight best practices for developing ordinances and contracting strategies that support long-term diversion goals.
Participants will learn:
- How ordinances can establish authority and set program expectations
- Key components of effective contracts with service providers
- Strategies for ensuring transparency, accountability, and adaptability
- Examples of communities successfully implementing these approaches
Join us to explore proven methods for creating legal and operational frameworks that drive sustainable materials management.
Innovation is key to advancing recycling and waste diversion and reduction efforts. This webinar will showcase creative approaches that are transforming recycling service delivery. Featuring real-world examples from across Michigan, we’ll explore how these programs are breaking traditional molds to meet community needs and drive a new materials management landscape forward.
Participants will learn:
- How innovative service models can overcome common recycling challenges
- Strategies for engaging businesses and residents in new ways
- Lessons from successful programs that can be adapted to your community
- Opportunities for collaboration and scaling innovative solutions
Join us to discover practical ideas and inspiring examples that demonstrate how creativity can lead to more effective and resilient recycling systems.
Effective recycling programs often require collaboration across jurisdictions. This webinar will explore how recycling authorities and interlocal agreements can help communities pool resources, streamline operations, and achieve shared sustainability goals.
In this webinar, we will explore:
- What recycling authorities are and how they function
- The role of interlocal agreements in building regional partnerships
- Benefits and challenges of collaborative governance models
- Examples of successful agreements and lessons learned
Join us to discover practical strategies for fostering cooperation and creating resilient, cost-effective recycling systems that serve multiple communities.
PROGRAM QUESTIONS:
Tracy Tomaszewski: TomaszewskiT@Michigan.gov
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS:
Alana Berthold: BertholdA@Michigan.gov
Individuals needing language assistance or accommodations for effective participation should contact Joel Roseberry at RoseberryJ@Michigan.gov at least two weeks before the event to request language, mobility, visual, hearing, translation, and/or other assistance
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