PART 115
The Path to Updating Michigan’s Solid Waste Law
PART 115 MODERNIZATION
In 2022, Michigan passed an update the state's solid waste law intended to create a system focused on managing materials instead of managing waste. After decades of stagnant planning requirements with an outdated focus on landfills as the ultimate destination for most materials, the update includes changes to:
PROVIDE A POLICY FRAMEWORK
supporting investment in productive materials management as an economic driver
UPDATE AND BROADEN
the county planning process to encourage sustainable materials management
ENSURE ADEQUATE LOCAL CAPACITY
for managing materials
PRIORITIZE LOCAL CONTROL
of facility siting and regulation of landfill development
REQUIRE ADEQUATE FINANCIAL ASSURANCE
for all permitted facilities, including landfills
ALLOW FOR THE DEVELOPMENT
of new recycling technologies and facilities
ESTABLISH BENCHMARK STANDARDS
to ensure access to recycling opportunities across the state
SPECIFY LOCAL FUNDING MECHANISMS
that can be used to support materials management
ELIMINATE
import/export authorizations for disposal
SUPPORT
business commitments to a circular economy
HOW IS THIS FUNDED?
Enrolled House Bill 4991 or Public Act 588, approved by the 99th Legislature in late December, 2018, created the Renew Michigan Fund and calls for the state treasurer to deposit $69 million into the fund annually. $9 million of the Renew Michigan Fund will be allocated on an annual basis to regulatory oversight of the materials management industry. $15 million of the Renew Funds will be allocated on an annual ongoing basis to support recycling infrastructure and market development, as well as county planning activities when proposed changes to Part 115, Michigan solid waste laws are finally adopted.
Funding for solid waste would be allocated to support EGLE oversight of the growing industry. Funding for recycling would be available to:
Support county/regional planning and support local implementation of materials management initiatives
Support the development of needed programs and infrastructure
Attract public and private sector investment in all aspects of material collection, processing, and utilization in the manufacturing of new products.
Support local and statewide education
THE THREE-YEAR COUNTY PLANNING PROCESS
All Michigan counties are currently engaged in a three-year county materials management planning process. Updates to Michigan's solid waste law require Counties, either as a single counties or as collaborative multi-county groups, to create a plan that shifts the focus to more productive ways of managing discarded materials. The goals of the plans are, in addition to protecting the environment and public health, to ensure that managed materials (recyclables, organic materials, and solid waste) are sustainably managed to achieve benefits to the economy, communities, and the environment.
LEARN MORE!
EGLE's Materials Management Division oversees the planning process. They accepted public comment until January 31, 2025 on the draft General Permit for Materials Utilization Facilities including composting facilities, materials recovery facilities, anaerobic digesters, and innovative technology facilities. You can view the draft permit here.
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
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