recycling

The city of Ann Arbor has updated its Circular Economy Map for people looking to reuse, repair and restore items instead of throwing them away. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The University of Michigan is encouraging recycling efforts with this Saturday’s football game against Indiana University-Bloomington. WEMU’s Joshua Nieman reports.

Ann Arbor residents now have more options for disposing of compost with new drop-off locations. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Every day, the choices we make in our homes and communities connect to much bigger environmental stories. One of those connections is through Plastic Free July, a global movement encouraging people to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. But what does that look like right here in Washtenaw County? Lydia McMullen-Laird is the co-founder and deputy director of the Ann Arbor-based Zerowaste.org. She and Rebekah Warren discussed ways residents can reduce their use of everyday plastic and how to participate in the 2026 Plastic Free July Challenge.

Washtenaw County’s Board of Public Works plans to continue its recycling collection contract with several townships with some adjustments. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

It’s A2ZERO week in the City of Ann Arbor. Mayor Christopher Taylor joins in with a signed proclamation at tonight’s City Council meeting. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

While we work on big, community environmental initiatives and goals, we have to remember that sometimes it’s the small, everyday choices we make at home that add up to a big difference. Washtenaw County has robust reuse and recycle programs. With the growing amount of electronics in our lives, we are often left with decisions to make about how best to get rid of those items. WEMU's David Fair talked with Washtenaw County Public Works Director Theo Eggermont about our options and the kind of difference our choices can make.

The Washtenaw County government has recognized Washtenaw Community College with an Environmental Excellence Partnership Program Award. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

We are well into the holiday shopping season now. Analysts predict there will be more spending this year than last, despite all of the economic uncertainty around the country and here at home. There are ways to cut down on spending and to help the environment at the same time. WEMU's David Fair talked with Samuel McMullen from Ann Arbor-based Zerowaste.org about sustainable gift giving on a pre-holiday edition of "Issues of the Environment".

Washtenaw County is increasing efforts toward a more effective way of dealing with waste. 2023 amendments to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act requires all Michigan counties to develop a new “Materials Management Plan” that emphasizes recycling, organics diversion, and sustainable materials management rather than focusing solely on landfill capacity. Its led to some forward thinking and action plans here in Washtenaw County. WEMU's David Fair discussed those programs with Theo Eggermont, Public Works Director for the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office.