landfills

We have all learned how dangerous and harmful mercury exposure can be. Mercury has long been targeted by the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center. In fact, it is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the National Vehicle Switch Recovery Program it helped launch in 2006. This program was designed to remove mercury switches from vehicles before they were recycled, significantly reducing environmental contamination. WEMU's David Fair talked to the Ecology Center’s Jeff Gearhart about the program’s success and where we go from here.

Michigan attracts trash. Accumulated garbage from places like Ohio, Indiana and Canada ends up in Michigan landfills. In fact, out-of-state garbage accounts for about 25% of what is being dumped in Michigan landfills. State Senator Jeff Irwin is looking to make Michigan a less attractive dumping site by raising the cost of sending garbage here. WEMU's David Fair talked with the Ann Arbor Democrat about his bills to increase tipping fees.

When Governor Gretchen Witmer proposed a hike in tipping fees in her proposed budget, it was great news to State Representative Reggie Miller. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s new budget proposal includes a big increase in the state surcharge on dumping waste in landfills. We have more from Rick Pluta.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday this year set a record for sales. As we approach the holiday season, WEMU's David Fair talked with Daniel Grenzicki from the group “Buy No Things Ann Arbor," whose goals go beyond protecting the environment. They explored some of the potential environmental and societal benefits of reducing consumerism on "Issues of the Environment."

For much of the past year, neighboring Northville and Salem Townships have been engaged in a debate over a proposed expansion of the existing Arbor Hills Landfill in Salem. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

The Conservancy Initiative in Northville Township is hoping to gain further community support as Green For Life (GFL) plans to expand the Arbor Hills Landfill. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

America sure loves its electronics! The technologies continue to improve and there can be no question; it has made life more convenient. However, these items contain a number of contaminants and are an environmental hazard. WEMU's David Fair talked with Washtenaw County’s Director of Public Works, Theo Eggermont about increased efforts to recycle used electronics.

The State House and Senate are working to come to an agreement on the budget for the 2025 fiscal year and get it sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer before a self-imposed July 1st deadline. Some of the environmental measures proposed by Governor Whitmer have been left out and finding for others is at a premium. 33rd District State Representative Felicia Brabec has been actively involved in the process. WEMU's David Fair checked in with the Pittsfield Township Democrat for the latest.

Going out for a run is great exercise, and it also happens to be an eco-friendly activity. But what about when hundreds, or even thousands, run together? Competitive running draws big crowds, and big crowds create a lot of excess waste. That’s why Jeff Jackson created Happy Planet Running. His Ann Arbor-based company works with race organizers to try and create zero-waste events. Jackson talked about how it’s working with WEMU's David Fair.