New Michigan Legislation Alters Waste Management and Recycling Policy

A group of related bills relevant to recycling and waste management were signed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on December 22. There are eight in all, each amends various sections of Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Brief descriptions of selected provisions from each bill are provided below.

• HB 4454 defines and clarifies terms, including “chemical recycling”.
• HB 4455 sets a recycling target of 45% for all municipal solid waste, with an interim goal of 30% to be achieved by 2029 (in April 2022, Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy announced a recycling rate of 19.3% had been achieved within the state).
• HB 4456 & 4457 increase requirements for permitting and bonding of landfills, including stipulations for environmental monitoring.
• HB 4458 requires solid waste haulers to also provide recycling services, and requires inspection of disposal areas and material utilization facilities.
• HB 4459 directs the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to establish programs to advance recycling through grants or loans for infrastructure, education, technology, and expanded access.
• HB 4460 details requirements for managing compostable material.
• HB 4461 requires each county in Michigan to develop a materials management plan. 

 The changes will take effect in March 2023.