WARREN – The Michigan Food and Beverage Association and its sister organization, the Michigan Business and Professional Association praised Governor Rick Snyder?s announcement Monday introducing a comprehensive statewide recycling plan.
The governor, together with Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Director Dan Wyant, said the state is setting out to double the recycling rate ? now at 15 percent – within the next two years by helping to provide convenient recycling opportunities from the present 24 counties to all 83 counties, establishing state and local partnerships to expand curbside recycling, and finding increased markets for recyclable commodities. Other measures include public education programs, together with technical assistance to municipalities.
Bonnie Bochinak, vice president of government relations at MFBA and chair of the Michigan Recycling Partnership (MRP), says her group has been working towards comprehensive recycling for many years. She complimented Gov. Snyder for making recycling a priority issue for the Great Lakes State.
?Michigan truly needs to step it up in terms of what we recycle. Currently, Michigan is regionally dead last in comprehensive recycling, and in the bottom half nationwide. We need to change that ranking in order to maintain our competitiveness. We have come a long way these past three years, and we can?t stop now,? Bochniak said.
Jennifer Kluge, CEO of both the MFBA and MBPA, noted she is proud of what the governor, Director Wyant, and other stakeholders have achieved thus far in advancing Michigan?s recycling activity.
?Recycling in Michigan has always been a priority for us, and now we are able to stand behind the governor and give our full support. This is a great day for Michigan and future Michiganders, as these steps we take today will be evident for generations to come.?
