Michigan proposes major landfill fee hike to reduce waste

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed raising landfill fees from 36 cents to $5 per ton over five years. This increase aims to reduce imported trash and fund pollution cleanups, with 45% of the revenue going back to local communities. Last year, 19% of waste in Michigan came from out of state, with 14% from Canada. The proposed fee hike would align Michigan's rates with other Midwestern states and provide financial support for communities facing higher waste disposal costs. The proposal faces opposition from the Michigan Waste and Recycling Association, which argues it will raise costs for residents and local governments. Some industry experts doubt the fee increase will significantly reduce Canadian waste imports.