Current Issues
Michigan E-Waste Legislation Update
On December 29, 2008, Part 173, Electronics, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended, (Part 173) became effective and established a manufacturer electronic device takeback program promoting electronic waste recycling. The manufacturer electronic device takeback program applies to computers and televisions recycled by households and small businesses (those employing 10 employees or fewer). It requires all manufacturers selling new computers and televisions in Michigan to register with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE). By April 1, 2010, all retailers, including Internet, catalog, manufacturer direct, and in-state retailers, were required to only sell new computers and televisions manufactured by registered manufacturers.
As of July 21, 2010, Michigan has 14 registered recyclers and 57 registered covered electronic equipment manufacturers. The list of recyclers and manufacturers can be found on the DNRE electronic waste takeback program Web site at www.michigan.gov/deqewaste and clicking on Electronic Waste Takeback Program, then click on Registered Recyclers or Registered Manufacturers.
A list of takeback programs, organized by brand, is also available. Consumers can find the takeback program information for their brand of computer or television by navigating to the electronic waste takeback program Web site, www.michigan.gov/deqewaste and clicking on 2010 Michigan Computer and Television Takeback Program Descriptions by Brand. Consumers may return any television, regardless of brand, to any television takeback program. However, computers manufacturers may choose to only take back their own equipment.
Current activities involving the electronic waste takeback program include: providing guidance to manufacturers whose registrations are administratively incomplete; identifying manufacturers that are registered in other states but are not registered in Michigan and contacting them to verify whether they are required to register; identifying brands that are being sold by retailers to Michigan consumers that are manufactured by manufacturers that are not registered and informing the manufacturers of the requirements of Part 173; informing retailers of their obligation to ensure the covered electronic equipment they are selling is manufactured by a registered manufacturer; and contacting recyclers that may be processing covered electronic equipment to ensure they are aware of their obligations under Part 173.
Control Over Waste Caps at Landfills Subject of Circuit Court Trial Anticipated Next Year
What many be considered a key tool used by planning agencies to ensure disposal capacity is being challenged in the Ionia County Circuit Court; the outcome of which has the potential to alter how Michigan conducts future solid waste planning activities. At question is whether or not state statute expressly authorizes county and regional planning agencies to place annual and daily caps on solid waste disposed of in facilities within their jurisdictions. Agencies must demonstrate by state requirement, that plans identify ten years of disposal capacity for waste generated within the county or planning jurisdiction. Disposal caps are commonly included in solid waste plans as a way of monitoring the rate at which a landfill is developed and filled in order to meet that requirement.
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Ionia County Brief on Appeal
MWIA Amicus Curiae Brief
Appellants' Reply Brief on Appeal
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants Program
The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG) has a webpage and other resources devoted to the EECBG Grant Program. The second wave of grants to Non-Entitlement Communities is due on October 22, 2009.
The Latest - National Recycling Coalition
The NRC Board of Directors voted unanimously to develop a reorganization plan through October, suspending a previous motion to file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Any future for the NRC is conditional upon fundraising, successful negotiations with creditors, and the development of a viable business plan,” said Melinda Uerling, NRC Board President. “The pledge of support from past presidents of the organization was crucial,” she added. Mark Lichtenstein, speaking for past NRC presidents who had recently petitioned the Board to reconsider the Chapter 7 decision said, “We applaud the action of the Board and are ready to invest the needed effort to assist in rebuilding the NRC.”
The Board directed Ms. Uerling to form committees comprised of board members and leaders within the membership, to begin working on the reorganization plan. In light of NRC’s current financial circumstances, remaining staff was terminated effective September 4, 2009.
NRC Vote Falls Short of Approval for NRC KAB Proposal May 2009 Study Released: The Impacts of a Recycling Surcharge to Increase Landfill Tipping Fees in Wisconsin.
MRC Press Release on NRC KAB Merger
Bottle Bill Expansion
