The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by making significant changes to the management and funding of solid waste and recycling initiatives in Michigan. It establishes a solid waste management fund within the state treasury, allowing the state treasurer to receive and invest funds from various sources. The bill mandates the creation of specific accounts within this fund, including a solid waste staff account, a perpetual care account, and a new circular economy institute account, which is intended to support research and training related to waste reduction and recycling. The bill specifies that at least 10% of the total amounts deposited in the solid waste staff and perpetual care accounts must be allocated to the circular economy institute account each fiscal year.

Additionally, the bill outlines the permissible expenditures from these accounts, detailing various activities related to solid waste management, recycling market development, and local recycling innovation programs. It also introduces new reporting requirements for the Department of Natural Resources, including annual reports on solid waste management activities and the progress of counties in meeting recycling goals. Notably, counties that fail to meet their recycling benchmarks will be ineligible for assistance from the recycling access and voluntary participation program until they adopt necessary ordinances to ensure curbside recycling services. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the state's capacity for effective waste management and promote a circular economy.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 324.11550, 324.11582