The recycling rate in the Great Lakes State is at a record high for the third consecutive year, according to a new analysis of data that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced. The EGLE research shows Michigan has steadily increased its recycling rate from what was historically the lowest in the Great Lakes region. Michigan鈥檚 recycling ratehas risen from 14.25% before 2019 to 21% last year and over 23% now. EGLE officials forecast that at its current pace of improvement, Michigan is on track to achieve the state鈥檚 goal of a 30% recycling rate by 2029.
EGLE officials attribute the recycling rate surge to the fact that more Michiganders than ever have access to recycling services. “Recycling helps us keep Michigan beautiful,鈥� said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. 鈥漌hen Michiganders recycle cans and bottles, they get money back in their pockets and support Michigan businesses with the materials they need. We are becoming leaders on recycling and we must continue getting better.鈥�
Michiganders recycled more than 330,000 tons of paper and paper products during fiscal year 2023, over 237,000 tons of metals, more than 67,000 tons of glass, and over 58,000 tons of plastics and plastic products. The total amount of residential recycled materials reported for FY 2023 was 703,369 tons 鈥� exceeding the record set the year before by more than 82,000 tons.