© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Up In The Dumps: MI Landfill Volume Is Growing

Landfill
Pixabay Creative Commons
An annual state report finds Michigan landfills took in more than 55 million cubic yards of solid waste in 2019.

A new report finds annual solid waste disposal in Michigan landfills has steadily increased since 2013.

Michigan residents and businesses generated over eight percent more solid waste last year than in 2018. 

The amount of landfill refuse that Michigan imports from 12 states and Canada was down about one percent. 

Christina Miller with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy says the state runs an efficient solid waste planning system.

“Because of that, we have a lot of capacity available in the state of Michigan,” Miller says.  “Therefore, it’s cheaper to dispose of waste in Michigan than other states and especially Canada.”

Miller says the state is shifting from a disposal practice to a more robust recycling structure. 

She predicts that will ultimately reduce the amount of waste ending up each year in landfills. 

 

 

 

Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.
Support Local Journalism in Mid-Michigan

WKAR delivers fact-based, independent journalism—free and accessible to all. No paywalls, no corporate influence—just trusted reporting that keeps our community informed. Your support makes this possible. Donate today.