St. Clair County, MI, selected global professional services firm HDR to develop a countywide materials management plan. The plan will integrate sustainable waste solutions, address current solid waste management concerns and meet Michigan鈥檚 new statewide regulatory waste management requirements.
HDR is conducting analysis of the county鈥檚 current solid waste management practices and infrastructure to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation. Based on the findings, HDR will develop and propose a series of solutions aligning with county requirements and regulations as well as provide support throughout implementation.听
In 2024 the State of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, or EGLE, initiated a new process that requires each county to prepare a materials management plan in lieu of the previously required solid waste management plans. This change represents a significant shift in thinking and planning, from waste and landfill management to sustainable materials management focused on resource recovery, waste reduction and recycling.听
鈥淭he shift represented by EGLE Part 115 reflects the circular economy transition we鈥檙e seeing across the U.S.,鈥� said HDR Project Manager Lara Zawaideh. 鈥淔rom extended producer responsibility regulations in Colorado and Maryland to Minnesota鈥檚 Hennepin County targeting a 90% diversion rate, the approach to waste management is evolving. It鈥檚 exciting to partner with St. Clair County to redefine its approach to materials management well into the future.鈥�