State environmental regulators are encouraging communities across Michigan to begin updating their recycling plans now because it won’t be long before it’s legally required. Recycling and circular economy experts gathered up north this week to talk about ways to grow Michigan’s recycling rate and decrease food waste to meet specific goals in the state’s climate action plan.
Experts spoke both on Oct. 24-25, at the Michigan Sustainability Conference in Gaylord about how to boost Michigan to a 45 percent recycling rate and slash its food waste levels in half by 2030. State officials said there are multiple programs to help communities assess their waste streams and grow participation in local recycling. Michigan’s statewide recycling rate lagged the nation at 19 percent in 2019 but is now about 21 percent. The national average is 34 percent.