theo eggermont

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.

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.

Washtenaw County is launching a pilot food scrap drop-off program in hopes of diverting more of the waste out of landfills. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert 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.

Without thinking about it too much, we tend to accumulate a good amount of toxic chemicals in homes—cleaning products, batteries, gas and oil...all sorts of things. If improperly thrown away, these are all materials that can dramatically harm the environment, wildlife and human beings. That’s why there is an expanding home toxics disposal program in Washtenaw County. Learn all about it when WEMU's David Fair speaks to Washtenaw County Public Works Manager, Theo Eggermont.

Washtenaw Clean-up Days are here! If you have bulk waste, old appliances, household hazardous waste or electronics that need to be disposed of, this is your time. Washtenaw County director of Public Works, Theo Eggermont joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss how you can participate and keep these materials out of the landfills and better protecting our environment.

Washtenaw County recycles at a rate higher than most others in Michigan. Still, there is a long way to go. It turns out a lot of the materials we put in our recycle bins aren't recyclable at all. Washtenaw County's Public Works Director, Theo Eggermont, joined WEMU's David Fair to highlight new efforts to increase recycle rates and the quality of what we're putting in our bins.

The Centers for Disease Control continues to recommend wearing gloves and masks while in public. More and more people are following recommended…