UP communities receive $1.4M for recycling infrastructure projects

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has awarded $1.4 million in Fiscal Year 2026 Recycling Infrastructure Grants to five recipients across the Upper Peninsula. These funds are designed to modernize waste management systems by improving collection methods and implementing advanced processing technologies like AI-driven sorting. This initiative supports a broader state goal to increase recycling rates and reduce landfill dependency by making recycling more accessible and affordable for regional residents.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced five grant recipients in the Upper Peninsula who will share $1.4 million in funding for infrastructure improvements. Among the awardees is the Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority (MCSWMA), which plans to use the funds to launch its own collection services for the first time. Operations Director Mike Stannard noted that the authority previously relied on contractors and municipalities to deliver materials but will now utilize a curbtender truck to collect recycling from businesses and multifamily dwellings. This shift is intended to tap into previously underserved material sources to increase the volume of recyclables processed at their facility.

The MCSWMA facility currently processes approximately 600 tons of recyclable material each month using single-stream technology. A key component of their efficiency is the SamurAI robotic sorting system, which utilizes artificial intelligence and a robotic arm to identify and sort items. This system can perform up to 70 picks per minute, nearly doubling the speed of manual sorting. According to EGLE Director Phil Roos, this technology allows for more efficient recovery rates and helps the facility maintain operations during high-volume periods, freeing up staff for other processing tasks while streamlining the recycling process for citizens.

The state's investment in recycling infrastructure has already contributed to a significant increase in Michigan’s recycling rate, rising from 14% prior to 2019 to a record high of 26% in the most recent data analysis. Beyond environmental benefits, the shift toward recycling offers substantial economic incentives for local communities. In Marquette County, the tipping fee for solid waste is $98 per ton, whereas the tipping fee for recycling is currently zero. By diverting materials from landfills into the recycling stream, the authority aims to reduce costs for residents while extending the lifespan of existing landfill infrastructure.