Michigan recently reached an unimpressive milestone: we are now the number two importer of trash of all 50 states. Despite posturing and rhetoric on this issue, the Republican-controlled legislature is failing us on this important issue. As the Republicans maintain “Mission Accomplished” on trash, here is the current state of trash in Michigan:

• According to the journal BioCycle, Michigan is now the 2nd largest importer of out-of-state trash. [1]
• Michigan is moving up in the rankings not down (4th in 2004, 2nd in 2006). [2]
• According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, imported solid waste now makes up 29% – nearly a third – of all trash disposed in Michigan landfills. [3]
• The amount of trash generated in Michigan decreased last year (Michigan citizens continue to recycle more). [4]
• Last year, Michigan accepted trash from as far away as Florida and Maine in addition to the well-known importation of Canadian trash and solid waste. [5]

My opponent dismissed the issue of imported trash as “a perceived problem” in a May 2005 Gongwer Michigan Report. [6] Due to my opponent’s obstruction on this issue, imported trash continues to flood into our state. It’s time for competent, results-oriented leadership if we want to go beyond political posturing and start seeing real reductions in imported trash in this state.

[1] “The State of Garbage in America,” BioCycle, April 2006, Vol. 47, No. 4, p. 26.
[2] “The State of Garbage in America,” BioCycle, January 2004, Vol. 45, No. 1, p. 31.
[3] Report of Solid Waste Landfilled in Michigan, October 1, 2004 – September 30, 2005, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
[4] ibid.
[5] ibid.
[6] “Palsrok: Tipping Fee Bill Dead in His Committee,” Gongwer Michigan Report, Vol 44, Report 90. 10 May 2005.