SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The Michigan State environmental officials announced that the state’s recycling rate hit a new record during the previous year, mainly driven by increased access to community recycling programs and a growing local market for reusable materials.
According to the Michigan Department for Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), the state’s recycling rate has witnessed constant improvement over the past several years. The rate has surged higher from 14.25% in 2019 to more than 21% in 2022. Despite this, the state’s recycling rate still lags behind the national recycling rate of 32%. It must be noted that Michigan had set a goal of 30% statewide recycling rate by 2025 and 45% by the end of the current decade.
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The recycling rate is calculated by comparing he amount of material Michigan residents and businesses have composted or sent to recycling facilities with the amount of material sent to landfills or incinerators. The Michigan residents recycled 620,494 tons of material in 2022, 66,000 tons more than what they recycled in 2021.
Regina Strong, EGLE environmental justice public advocate noted that equitable access to recycling opportunities is key to Michigan’s success in becoming a leader in recycling.
