SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), recycling rate in the state has hit an all-time high in fiscal 2022.

The latest press release by EGLE suggests that the recycling rate surged higher significantly from 14.25% prior to 2019 to over 21%. The amount of residential recycled materials for the fiscal year totalled 620,494 tons, exceeding the previous record high by more than 66,000 tons.

The state recycled over 339,000 tons of paper and paper products, 154,000 tons of metals, 71,000 tons of glass and over 45,000 tons of plastic and plastic products in the 2022 fiscal year.

Commenting on the robust recycling numbers, Regina Strong, EGLE Environmental Justice Public Advocate noted that it is proud that Michiganders are now recycling more than ever before. EGLE and the Recycling Partnership had rolled out 48,468 new curbside recycling carts to communities around the state during the previous year. Since the rollout of the new recycling carts, the monthly collection has increased from around 20 tons of solid waste to nearly 25 tons, she added.

The yearly figures indicate that every Michigander recycled 124 pounds during the previous year.