SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Michigan plans to introduce new rules and changes that will focus mainly on recycling.

This would be rapid shift from Michigan’s past policies which had promoted landfill growth across the state. The new environmental regulations will encourage residents to achieve maximum recycling and reuse of materials. The changes are expected to double Michigan’s recycling rates from 2019 levels. The state’s recycling rate of around 21% is significantly lesser than the national average of 34%.

Under the new plan, each Michigan county need to create a new materials management schedule. The counties will have three years to create the plan and implementing it. The plan must be devised in such a way that it boosts the recycling access to residents. It must ensure that the materials are used as productively as possible and to the benefit of the community and economy.

Liz Browne, materials management division director for the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said that the new rules and changes will divert more recyclable material from landfills. It will help counties identify what additional resources they may need, Browne added.