Michigan offers $97 million for projects that can boost recycling in state

Michigan’s latest idea to boost the state’s abysmal recycling rate: Shark Tank for trash.

State government and business leaders on Monday announced a program to bankroll ideas that would create new markets for materials that would otherwise be destined for landfills. Think “upcycled” duffle bags made from scrap fabrics, toilet paper made from cardboard boxes and animal feed containing unused groceries.

Speaking at an announcement of the program Monday alongside Michigan business leaders and lawmakers from both parties, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy Director Liesl Clark called the program a “first of its kind partnership” with bipartisan support.

The initiative, dubbed NextCycle Michigan, is among a host of efforts to boost Michigan’s recycling and composting rate, which stands just above half of the national average of 32.1 percent. Whitmer and lawmakers want to raise Michigan’s recycling rate to 30 percent by 2025, and ultimately reach 45 percent.

NextCycle combines state dollars with commitments from companies like Meijer, Henry Ford Health System and toilet paper maker Great Lakes Tissue to fund ideas that could divert more recyclable material from the waste stream.

In total, a state release said, $97 million has been committed to funding recycling improvement projects so far. 

Other projects funded through NextCycle include a new sorting facility to boost recycling in the greater Lansing area, grants to local governments to buy recycling bins and build or upgrade recycling facilities, and an assessment of electric vehicle battery recycling needs.

The initiative comes as a congressional caucus spearheaded by Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Rochester Hills, works to boost recycling nationwide. Stevens called NextCycle an example of projects that she and other members of Congress hope to see “proliferate across the country,” helping to reduce U.S. dependence on other countries to recycle our trash.