Solid Waste Planning
Solid Waste Plan
Background
Every county in the state of Michigan is required to have an approved Solid Waste Management Plan. The main purpose of a plan is to make sure we have adequate disposal capacity for any waste generated within the county, to set goals for waste reduction and recycling, and to protect public health.
The Washtenaw County Solid Waste Management System consists of the collection, transfer, processing, and disposal facilities. This network supports waste prevention, reduction, recycling, composting, and sanitary landfill service.
The landscape of waste and recycling has changed dramatically since the previous plan was passed in 1999. The Solid Waste Planning Committee updated our priorities and goals in the 2017 plan. As a leader within the state, our plan should reflect the waste diversion and recycling mindset prevalent in our community.
Solid Waste Plan Amendment
The amended Washtenaw County Solid Waste Management Plan can be found here:
1999 to 2000 Solid Waste Management Plan Process
Washtenaw County last prepared an update to its Solid Waste Management Plan in 2000, as required by Part 115 of the National Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (Act 451). The planning process spanned over two years and involved a broad base of stakeholders representing cities, townships, environmental groups, regional planning agencies, waste industries, and the general public. An overview of the planning and approval process included:
- October 22, 1997: Fourteen-member Solid Waste Planning Committee appointed by the Board of Commissioners.
- August 10, 1999: Draft Plan Update released for 90-day public comment period.
- October 19, 1999: Public Hearing held on draft Plan.
- November 9, 1999: End of public comment period.
- April 12, 2000: Plan was approved by the Solid Waste Planning Committee.
- April 14, 2000: Plan was approved by the Board of Public Works.
- May 3, 2000: Plan was approved by the Board of Commissioners.
- May 22, 2000: Plan was submitted to all local municipalities for review.
- October 20, 2000: Plan was submitted to Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality for final approval.
- October 19, 2001: Plan received final approval by the State of Michigan and became the official Solid Waste Management Plan for the County.
- November 1, 2001: Plan was approved by 23 of Washtenaw's 28 communities.
2020-2021 Programs Evaluation
The Plan Implementation Action Committee reviewed the programs that work to achieve the Solid Waste Plan. The year-long effort identified strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities to identify recommendations and prioritize programs.
Annual Reports
Reports detail the activities of the Material Management Division, including solid waste management, recycling, and home toxics reduction initiatives. View the reports.