recycling

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.

Have you ever wondered exactly what happens to your trash, recyclables and compost after you throw it away? WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor explored the answers with Lydia McMullen-Laird. She is the co-founder of Ann Arbor-based ZeroWaste.org. They discussed whether progress is being made in Washtenaw County, and whether there is a likelihood of regression, given rollbacks in environmental investments at the state and federal level.

The Michigan football season is underway, and excitement and expectations are on high for what the Wolverines can accomplish on the field of play. There are also big expectations for what happens in and around the rest of the "Big House". Work towards making Michigan gamedays a zero-waste event continue, and WEMU's David Fair discussed progress with U-M Senior Project Manager, Alison Richardson.

Ann Arbor city officials are streamlining waste and recycling disposal at the drop-off station on Ellsworth with their new pass program. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Road officials in Washtenaw County are launching a new asphalt mix in a resurfacing project in Pittsfield Township. As WEMU's Ana Longoria reports, it combines used tires and asphalt.

A recent fire at Recycle Ann Arbor's Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) has raised concerns about what exactly is going into the bins we send to the MRF. Nationally, there are a growing number of fires at such facilities. WEMU's David Fair gets an update from Recycle Ann Arbor CEO Bryan Ukena.

The Ypsilanti City Council passed a new $53 million budget Wednesday morning while able to protect recycling and youth programs. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.