OUR VISION
Michigan supports its unique natural environment and prosperity with a robust circular economy.
OUR ROLE
In the course of its over forty-year history, the MRC has more clearly defined its role and developed proficiency in serving its members in a host of ways. As opportunities for development emerge for recyclers at all levels, the MRC will work to solidify its programs and services and develop others anew.
OUR PRINCIPLES
- Where natural resources are managed to the environmental and economic benefit of every community.
- Where all possible uses for a given material are exhausted before being managed as waste.
- Where waste is managed in a way that causes minimal harm to habitat, wildlife, and the environment.
- Where Michigan's high public & private waste diversion and participation rates are common knowledge and a source of state pride and economic benefit.
- Where recycling and composting are vital and sustainable services and collected materials have value in industries globally.
- Where the MRC and its members are recognized, influential leaders in effective resource use and recovery throughout the state.
ADVOCATE
Lead with vision, policy, and advocacy.
The MRC represents its growing network and brings that expertise to the table to assure that Michigan policy reflects collective sustainable materials management goals.
CONVENE
Connect through networking and learning opportunities.
The MRC’s annual conference is the focal point of the year for recyclers across the state. The Coalition also provides opportunities for networking and learning through workshops, forums, and regional meetings throughout the year.
COORDINATE
Create common purpose and solutions.
The MRC works in partnership to collect and share data, coordinate and convene stakeholders, research and promote potential solutions, and builds network and common purpose around tackling problems in the recycling supply chain.
EDUCATE
Facilitate the development and sharing of information, resources, and tools.
The MRC facilitates learning opportunities to share information, tools, resources, and guidance around resource recovery initiatives designed to help local governments and businesses meet community needs.
In the course of its more than forty-year history, the MRC has developed proficiency in serving its members in a number of ways.
The MRC's recent engagement with state level decision-makers has led Michigan to multiple recycling successes:
FUNDING
$15 million of Renew Funds will be allocated on an annual ongoing basis to support recycling infrastructure and market development
UPDATING SOLID WASTE LAWS
Michigan's solid waste laws have been updtaed to include productive materials maangmeent activities.
As opportunities for recycling development grow, the MRC will rise to meet new needs and opportunities.
2024-2026 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
ACCESS
Increase the supply of recycled materials by assuring access to services and programming
MARKETS
Increase the demand for recycled materials by supporting the development and feeding of end markets
ORGANICS
Drive the productive management of organic waste by promoting the manufacturing and use of compost
RESPONSIBILITY
Foster interest in product stewardship and extended producer responsibility solutions throughout the lifecycle of targeted materials
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
1
Pursue extended producer responsibility and product stewardship solutions in Michigan.
- Develop and implement a legislative strategy for EPR bills on packaging, batteries, paint, e-scrap, carpet, mattresses
- Build understanding around EPR and engage members and stakeholders in advocacy
2
Support recycling education & outreach to increase informed participation in recycling and organics programs, driving access to programs, and supply markets with materials
- Deliver community-based social marketing training
- Develop outreach strategy, tools, training, and other resources for recycling/organics management professionals
- Develop and deliver a best practices toolkit for community-based education that demonstrates the inclusion of education into county plans and programming
- Support the recycling education and outreach priorities in underserved communities
- Update and deliver Master Recycler & Master Composter train-the-trainer programs
- Support the delivery of Master Recycler & Master Composter programming in Michigan
3
Provide training to Michigan professionals that drive access to recycling and organics programming, and supply markets with materials
- Update and deliver Materials & Recycling Management training
- Develop toolkits and guidance for local government implementation of new and enhanced recycling and organics initiatives in the county planning context
- Deliver a series of one-day compost operator training opportunities
- Explore the delivery of a Michigan-based Compost Operator Training Course in partnership with MSU and EGLE
4
Grow interest and involvement in NextCycle Michigan to drive access to recycling and organics programming, and supply markets with materials
- Support the state's program as contractors, current teams, and alumni
- Promote and engage MRC members and other stakeholders on the benefits of NCMI
5
Develop collection programs to improve access to ag & marine film plastics collection opportunities and increase the supply for Michigan markets
- Support existing programs with promotion and additional drop-off opportunities
- Build program support and financial sustainability into programming costs
The Michigan Recycling Coalition employs the expertise of its Board of Directors and members to take positions on policy issues important to the growth and development of the recycling industry in Michigan.
POLICY STATEMENTS
And Resolution Process Guide
As recycled commodities become more valuable in the marketplace, the scavenging of those materials also increases. Recycling service providers need protection from theft, and the Michigan Recycling Coalition developed this policy statement to bring attention and action to the issue.