Recycling
Recent Stories
Michigan may authorize new uses for toxic coal ash
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Michigan may authorize new uses for toxic coal ash by Great Lakes Echo
One of the bills that cleared the Michigan legislature this session was a provision that allows certain bio-waste materials to be re-used for beneficial purposes. These substances include things like cement kiln dust, wood pulp and coal ash. Coal ash is the leftover residue from coal burned by electric power plants. The bill permits coal ash to be used in road construction, but it may also be used in agriculture as a fertilizer supplement, causing some environmental advocates to become concerned. Current State’s Kevin Lavery speaks with Republican State Representative Wayne Schmidt, the bill’s main sponsor, who strongly states that coal ash is completely safe and does not pose any environmental threats. Continue Reading →
Filed under: Waste, Catch of the Day, Current State, podcast, pollution, Recycling
Public Service Announcement: Recyclers launch statewide campaign
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The Michigan Recycling Coalition, has launched a state-wide recycling campaign, Recycle, MI, to increase recycling awareness and practices. The campaign is to help residents and businesses reduce waste, according to a press release. It encourages people to start recycling at their homes and work places, volunteer at recycling events or facilities and distribute information about recycling in their town, the campaign’s website explains. Recycle, MI has been promoted on radio stations that began this spring mostly in southeast Michigan and will continue in different regions throughout the summer, said Kerrin O’Brien, executive director of the group. “We really saw a need to promote recycling across the state — to unite Michiganders under this logo and message,” she said. Continue Reading →
Filed under: Waste, Catch of the Day, Recycling
Michigan seeks to expand use of coal ash
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For at least the past decade, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has sought comprehensive regulations on reusing industrial byproducts like coal ash, the material generated from burning coal for electricity, as an alternative to sending it to landfills.
The “beneficial use” bills, which recently passed the state House, would formally regulate the use of over a dozen forms of industrial byproducts across a variety of sectors, including construction fill and on agricultural land. Continue Reading →
Filed under: Waste, Catch of the Day, Recycling
Advocate responds to bolstered Michigan recycling plan
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Earlier this month Gov. Snyder released a plan to increase recycling in the State of Michigan. At 15 percent, the state has one of the worst residential recycling rates in the nation. Continue Reading →
Filed under: Waste, Catch of the Day, Current State, Podcasts, Recycling
Some wastes would be reused, not landfilled, under bills
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Coal ash could be used in concrete, lime ash could be used for farming and copper sand could be made into shingles under legislation that would allow certain industries to sell byproducts that they now throw away. Continue Reading →
Filed under: Waste, Capital News Service, Echo, Recycling
Illinois thermostat collection nets 8 tons of mercury
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Old tires could build pothole-resistant roads, solve disposal problem
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Old tires could create pothole resistant Michigan roads.
If it works, it may help address a disposal headache. Continue Reading →
Filed under: Waste, Capital News Service, Echo, Recycling
Mr. Great Lakes: Recyclemania, “Healthy” Asian carp and the best carp barrier
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Mr. Great Lakes (Jeff Kart) reports from Bay City, Michigan’s Delta College Q-90.1 FM.
Feb. 7, 2014 – Mr. Great Lakes (Jeff Kart) – The Environment Report, Q 90.1 FM by jeffkart
This week, Kart discusses a collegiate recycling tournament, research on the consumption of Asian carp and an “almost foolproof” barrier for carp. Text at Mr. Great Lakes Continue Reading →
Filed under: Waste, Catch of the Day, Echo, Mr. Great Lakes, Podcasts, Recycling
Green Gridirons: Michigan State University
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A football stadium may have green grass but does it have green habits? Each week, Great Lakes Echo highlights a Big Ten football stadium’s attempts to do the most to impact the environment the least. All schools have information on the stadium’s diversion rate – the amount of waste recycled instead of put in a landfill. Stadium: Spartan Stadium
School: Michigan State University
Built: 1923
Capacity: 75,005
2012 diversion rate: 56.3 percent
Scouting report: Michigan State University has 80 recycling containers inside Spartan Stadium during games. Staff handpicks recyclables from the grounds outside stadium gates and on Sunday mornings from tailgating lots. Continue Reading →