Michigan Recycling Project Is the Largest Initiative in State History

Public and private partners are ready to spend millions of dollars to improve the recycling system in Michigan.

The newly announced initiative, NextCycle Michigan, is supposed to kickstart the recycling economy in the state.

Plastics Recycling Update reports that the state’s environmental agency will contribute $4.9 million in grant funds to recipients that support recycling throughout the state.

“The NextCycle program will operate a competitive grant funding process. Applicants with recycling project proposals will compete by pitching their ideas, and awarded teams will receive financial support, resources and technical support. Proposals will be reviewed by a technical advisory committee and a funding review board.”

Applicants from a variety of sectors are welcome, including the business community, government agencies, trade associations, universities, and others.

The program will support recycling and recovery initiatives in categories like organic waste reduction, recovery, processing and end markets, recycled material use in road construction, and recycling supply chain improvements.

NextCycle leaders announced that Michigan is among the first states to introduce this kind of partnership.

According to Liz Browne, materials management division director for Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), a key motive for the initiative might be the state’s lagging recycling rate, currently at 18.5%.