Governor Whitmer has proposed increasing Michigan’s landfill tipping fees, from $0.36 per ton to $5.00 per ton of waste. While this may sound drastic, this adjustment merely aligns Michigan's tipping fees with those of other midwestern states. The proposed increase is projected to generate $80 million in ongoing revenue, which will be allocated towards crucial environmental initiatives such as remediation efforts, brownfield development, and promoting recycling initiatives.
Support for this increase comes from various quarters, including The Conservancy Initiative, which advocates for sustainable environmental practices. The Conservancy Initiative encourages all residents affected by facilities like the Arbor Hills landfill to rally behind the proposed tipping fee increase. Residents are urged to voice their support by reaching out to their legislators through emails or phone calls. To facilitate this, The Conservancy Initiative provides contact information for State representatives and Senators (attached), along with draft language for a letter expressing support.
The rationale behind supporting the proposed increase is multifaceted:
Reducing Imported Entering Michigan: Michigan currently serves as a dumping ground for waste haulers from Canada and other states, drawn by the comparatively low tipping fees. Approximately 25% of waste disposed in Michigan landfills originates from outside the state, with a significant portion imported from Canada. Increasing tipping fees will help deter this trend and discourage out-of-state dumping.
Preserving Landfill Space: Landfills have a finite lifespan, and reducing the influx of imported waste will help extend the viability of Michigan's landfill capacity. This preservation helps ensure Michigan’s residents and industries continue to have access to local landfill facilities.
Promoting Waste Reduction and Recycling: Higher tipping fees create financial incentives for waste reduction and promote recycling initiatives. By making landfill disposal less economical, the proposal encourages alternative waste management practices, contributing to long-term sustainability goals.
Supporting Environmental Initiatives: The increased revenue generated from higher tipping fees will be directed towards vital environmental endeavors, including remediation efforts, brownfield redevelopment, and enhanced oversight of landfill operations.
The increased tipping fee is “the right thing to do” and should have bipartisan support. Republican Governor Rick Snyder put forth a similar initiative during his final term, but it failed to garner sufficient backing in the legislature.
For further reading, interested parties can access articles published in the Detroit News (may require a subscription) or refer to a comprehensive report from the State Budget Office of Michigan.
Example Email to your State Representative or State Senator
Word Version of this Letter <Click Here>
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[Insert Date]
Dear Senator or Representative [Insert Last Name or Senator or Representative],
I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed increase in landfill tipping fees in Michigan, as outlined by Governor Whitmer. This initiative, aimed at raising tipping fees from $0.36 to $5.00 per ton of waste, holds significant promise for our state's environmental sustainability and economic well-being.
The proposed increase in tipping fees will bring Michigan's tipping fees in line with those of neighboring midwestern states. By discouraging waste haulers from Canada and other states from using Michigan as a dumping ground due to our comparatively low tipping fees, this measure will help safeguard our environment and preserve our limited landfill space for the benefit of Michigan residents and industries.
I believe that supporting this proposal is “the right thing to do”. The proposal will reduce imported waste from entering Michigan, preserve Michigan landfill capacity for Michigan residents, and promote waste reduction and recycling opportunities.
I urge you to lend your support to this important proposal and work towards its swift enactment for the benefit of all Michigan residents.
Thank you for your attention to this matter,
Sincerely,
[insert your name]
[insert your title if appropriate]
[insert your address]
[insert your phone number]
[insert your email address]