Get Your Local Officials Onboard

In Michigan, communities have a big shift to transition from solid waste management planning to materials management planning (MMP). This changes how communities think about and plan for materials and waste, allowing communities to recover valuable resources and stimulate the economy.

MMP brings a lot of change for counties and local communities, and RRS can help you get your local officials and decision-makers familiar with the responsibilities and opportunities of the MMP process. Our team has created a slide deck covering the fundamentals officials need to know. You can even customize a few slides to your community’s context.

RRS is based in Michigan and many of our team members call the mitten state home. We want to see every county succeed in its efforts to boost the economy and conserve resources. This deck is built on decades of RRS expertise in this industry. Learn more about our MMP services at recycle.com/mmp.

What Your Officials Need to Know

The slide deck includes:

• Background: Explore recycling and waste data as well as the economic impact of materials management
• MMP Requirements and Timeline: Learn about the new requirements of the MMP, state funding, benchmark recycling standards, and timeline.

We know that Materials Management Planning is complex and presents a lot of new information for local officials. RRS is here to help every step of the way, including assisting in getting your officials on board for the ride!

Understanding Materials Management Planning (MMP)

Now is the time to seize the moment. Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has initiated the call for every county in Michigan to begin the process to create materials management plans. Participating counties will receive State funding to support planning and the implementation of public initiatives aiming to reduce waste, compost materials, and recycle or reuse products.

Don’t Forget the Final Step of the NOI Process!

A final step for each county to complete the Notice of Intent (NOI) is to notify your local leaders and publish the NOI with the most-read local media source. This step is crucial, so make sure not to overlook it. The language in Part 115 (324.11571(9)) states:

“Not more than 30 days after the submission of a Notice of Intent to the department, the CAA shall do all of the following:

• Submit a copy of the notice of intent to the legislative body of each municipality located within the planning area.
• Publish the notice of intent in a newspaper or by electronic media having major circulation or viewership in the planning area.
• Request publication of the notice of intent on websites of local units of government in the planning area and other multimedia outlets as appropriate.”

Engaging local officials is critical, as you will need their support to vote on the plan once it’s finalized. Here are a few ways to get local officials interested at this stage:

• Offer to do a presentation (using this slide deck!) at their next council, board, or leadership team meeting.
• Invite them on a tour of a public or private facility in the county that is managing a material that will become part of the county MMP.
• Send them our blog posts to keep them updated on the status of the MMP.

RRS is here to assist in every step of this process to ensure your local officials are informed and engaged, setting your county on the path to successful materials management planning.

The post Onboard Your Local Officials to Michigan MMP appeared first on Recycle.com.