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Local recycling initiatives awarded $2M
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ATLANTIC MINE -- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) announced Tuesday it was awarding $825,000 to the Western U.P. Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR) to continue efforts at funding recycling initiatives in the area. These projects include a drop-off site in the Laurium-Calumet area and extending recycling capabilities at the Houghton County Transfer Station.
WUPPDR Materials Management Planning Coordinator Brendon Presnell said the grant will help support recycling in the Keweenaw. "These things are not set in stone and are still under development," he said. "But this is an important step forward to making these possible."
As it stands, the Houghton County Transfer Station in Atlantic Mine does not have the capability to haul recyclable materials to Recycle 906 in Marquette for processing. Copper Country Recycling Initiative Executive Director Jonathon Nagel helped apply for this funding and said Michigan counties are now mandated to meet updated state recycling needs.
"Part 115 is a bit of state legislation that is requiring all counties to update their solid waste plan into materials management plans," he said. "Basically, recognizing there are more options than just landfilling." ]Nagel said he urges people to get involved in the process with municipalities and local leaders.
Aside from the EGLE grant, other recycling initiatives are coming to the Keweenaw. The Environmental Protection Agency awarded $1.5 million to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) on Wednesday.
The funding comes as a part of the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) programs for Native Tribes. KBIC aims to use the funds to create a separate recycling facility and a fish composting program.
Presnell said funding from the state and federal level helps rural areas keep up with regulations.
"Opening it up so it [Recycle 906] can receive materials from the Laurium drop-off, the City of Hancock, City of Houghton... it opens a lot of doors as far as recycling accessibility," he said.