About 24 million tons of solid waste were sent to Michigan landfills last year. Now, a regional effort is underway to potentially lower that number â but local officials need input from residents and businesses. Networks Northwest is encouraging participation in an anonymous survey for residents and businesses in a 10-county region stretching from Emmet County south to Manistee.
The survey, available until January 5, aims to help counties modernize recycling, waste reduction, and sustainable materials management programs as required under Michiganâs Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.
âAnytime you can get more people in the room discussing an issue, youâre going to find areas you have not thought of,â Networks Northwest Community Planner Mike Szokola said. âThis planning is crucial for Northwest Michigan to create a more efficient, cost-effective waste management system by understanding current practices and developing coordinated plans that include local input from residents and businesses.â