LANSING, MI (AP)-- A new report says the volume of solid waste sent to landfills in Michigan jumped by more than 2 million cubic yards last year — a 5.6 percent increase.
The Department of Environmental Quality released its annual solid waste report this week. It says the higher landfill disposal figure could be a sign of an improving economy. But the department also says it also shows the need for more recycling.
Michigan residents send about $435 million worth of recyclable metals, plastics and wood to landfills every year. Governor Rick Snyder is calling for development of new markets for such materials in his initiative to double the state's residential recycling rate within two years.
The report says Michigan landfills took in less waste from Canada more from neighboring states in 2014.