May 31, 2007

The Department of Environmental Quality has released a stakeholder-driven update to Michigan's Solid Waste Policy that provides a framework to guide Michigan citizens, businesses, government agencies, institutions, universities, and political leaders in making smart choices for managing Michigan's solid wastes. Michigan's previous Solid Waste Policy, issued in 1988, has become outdated and no longer reflects the current realities of solid waste management in Michigan.

"The updated Solid Waste Policy presents a fundamentally different approach to making solid waste management decisions," said Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester. "It promotes the bold perspective of viewing solid waste as a resource in a global economy, and challenges us to make decisions based on the three principles of sustainability: economic vitality, ecological integrity, and improved quality of life."

The Solid Waste Policy embodies the consensus agreement of stakeholders on the Solid Waste Policy Advisory Committee, a group made up of representatives from local governments, the environmental community, and the solid waste and recycling industries, and is the product of a yearlong effort facilitated by the DEQ.

"It was critical for the success of the Solid Waste Policy to ensure all impacted parties were involved in the decision-making process," said Dan Batts, President, Michigan Waste Industries Association.

The Solid Waste Policy encourages a deliberate and inclusive solid waste management decision-making process and recommends goals. "Rather than prescribing solutions, the Solid Waste Policy sets goals and provides guidance on how to make decisions to reach these goals, which will be especially important as Michigan strives toward full utilization of all solid waste streams," said Patty O'Donnell, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments.

Goals outlined in the Solid Waste Policy include finding uses for 50 percent of Michigan's municipal solid waste by 2015 and ensuring that all Michigan citizens have convenient access to residential recycling programs by 2012. "The Solid Waste Policy sets important direction in this area, emphasizing decreasing waste generation and increasing waste utilization," said Donna Stine, Interim Executive Director, Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

The policy also recommends future stakeholder meetings to help guide the implementation of the policy and to facilitate sustainable waste management practices. "This updated Solid Waste Policy will be useful for years to come with the continued guidance of stakeholders," said Doug Roberts, Jr., Director, Environmental and Energy Policy, Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

The updated Solid Waste Policy and list of the Solid Waste Policy Advisory Committee members are available on the DEQ Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/deq by navigating to "Waste" and "Solid Waste."

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised May 31, 2007 by Pat Watson