2024 Economic Impact Potential and Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in Michigan

Michigan will dispose of $6.2 billion to $8.3 billion of marketable material through its municipal solid waste stream by 2035

The 2024 Michigan Municipal Solid Waste Characterization and Valuation Study performed statistically significant waste sorts at sites across the state, and through this provided an economic valuation for diversion in terms of real material value, job creation, and other positive economic and environmental impacts.

We found that material disposed of in Michigan’s municipal solid waste each year has an estimated market value of $500 million to $676 million. If this material were collected for recycling, it would have an estimated economic impact of $609 million to $825 million per year, creating as many as 4,500 jobs.

Each year that Michigan does not make the investments in infrastructure, adopt new business practices, provide the necessary education to stakeholders, or advance and execute the public policy needed to increase the recycling rate, the state will lose at least a half billion dollars of potential feedstock for its manufacturers, farms, and other end markets

The study is based on work funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Data analysis was provided by Grand Valley State University and a working group of MiSBF members.

Executive Summary

Full Report

Composition of Michigan MSW

With a relatively small investment of stakeholder access and grant funds, the 2016 Michigan Municipal Solid Waste Characterization and Valuation Project created an important tool for the advancement of recycling, composting and the creation of a circular economy in the state. The ensuing report has been regularly cited by state and regional programs in the years since its publication. The 2024 study updates that work.

The project consisted of two major research tasks: characterization and valuation. The first objective of this study was to provide an estimate of the statewide aggregate mixed municipal solid waste composition for Michigan. These results are detailed in the figures at left: Michigan Municipal Solid Waste Composition and Top Materials in MSW Composition.

Michigan landfills report received volume to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy on an annual basis. Based on these regulatory filings there were 8,810,390 tons of MSW landfilled during the 2021-2022 fiscal year that came from Michigan. In addition, the Kent County Waste-to-Energy Facility in Grand Rapids incinerated about 183,112 tons of MSW during 2022. Between these two sources, we estimate the state generates 8,993,502 tons of MSW available for screening for recycling.

2016 Report

Media Kit

Economic Value of Michigan MSW

Michigan’s circular economy decision makers need updated information to determine the value of potential new and expanded recycling streams, to assess the performance of programs, and define the environmental and economic costs of materials management. Sustainability professionals and recycling advocates need improved benchmarks to better communicate and support the value of landfill avoidance efforts.

As described above and in the summary findings, material disposed of in Michigan’s municipal solid waste each year has an estimated market value of $500 million to $676 million. This is detailed through the figures at right: Total Value of Michigan MSW Material Disposed and Top Commodities in Michigan MSW. Our findings are derived entirely from field studies, verifiable market prices for recycled commodities, and peer-reviewed academic studies.

In the table below we have summarized our findings for material composition and valuation, as well as the net recycling value per ton after accounting for indirect benefits and processing costs. Together this data quantifies characterization of Michigan MSW disposed in landfills and incinerators by aggregate commodity value and as a net impact for recyclers and recycling communities.

Opportunities to Divert Michigan Municipal Solid Waste Through Recycling and Composting

Most material currently being disposed of through landfills and incinerators could be recycled or composted in most metropolitan communities without great difficulty. Approximately one-third of material could be recycled in any community that meets the recycling benchmarks specified in the new Part 115 materials management law. This is shown in the graph at right.

In comparison to the 2016 study, there is a statistically significant decrease in materials commonly targeted by recent investments in recycling collection and infrastructure, specifically plastic and mixed paper, suggesting that those improvements are working.

Michigan disposes of an estimated 1.5 to 2 million tons of food waste through its municipal solid waste each year

There is substantially more food waste in Michigan landfills than currently believed, and its contributions to greenhouse gas emissions are greater than previously known.

It was the most common material characterized at 19.16 percent of samples by weight.
This was also the case in 2016 when it was 13.5 percent of samples by weight. At the time, we predicted that food waste would become more prevalent as a percentage of MSW as conventional recycling programs improve. This was proven true.
If this material was used as feedstock for compost in Michigan, it would be worth an estimated $18 million to $36 million annually.
Food waste was found disproportionately in residential loads: 23.8 percent by weight, compared to 9.1 percent for samples from commercial properties.

Learn about the Michigan Food Waste Roadmap