For More Information                             Brad Wurfel, 517-241-7395, wurfelb@michigan.gov 

                                                              Christina Miller, 517-373-4741, millerc1@michigan.gov

The DEQ today released its annual report on solid waste landfilled in Michigan, noting an overall 0.9 percent decrease in the volume of solid waste sent to Michigan facilities. 

Waste disposed-of by Michigan residents and businesses increased approximately 3 percent, and waste imported from other states and Canada decreased approximately 12.8 percent.

Ontario's commitment to phase out by December 2010 its exports of municipally-managed solid waste to Michigan is seen in FY 2011's decreased waste volumes from Canada. DEQ officials expect the Canadian waste volumes will continue to decrease during the next year, but Canada remains the largest source of waste imports into Michigan, accounting for 15.3 percent of all waste disposed of in Michigan landfills.

Based on the capacity used during FY 2011, the reduction of waste disposed, and additional permitted landfill capacity, officials estimate Michigan landfills have approximately 24 years of remaining disposal capacity.

The data released today appears in the 16th annual report prepared by the DEQ. Submittal of this information to the DEQ is required of all Michigan landfills.

The specific amounts of waste disposed in Michigan from the various jurisdictions are:

To receive a copy of the annual report, contact the DEQ Resource Management Division, Solid Waste and Land Application Section, P.O. Box 30241, Lansing, Michigan 48909‑7741, at 517‑241‑2924; or download the annual report from the DEQ Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/deq (Click on "Waste," and then "Solid Waste," and under "Information," click on "Annual Reports of Solid Waste Landfilled in Michigan" and then on the link for the FY report desired).

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