Glass Re-Purposing a Collection of Success for Negaunee Township, MI

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): A glass collection trailer has been part of Negaunee Township’s monthly drop-off for rubbish since November of last year. And it’s been a smashing hit. “This morning, we’ve had almost every car coming in as bringing glass. Nobody’s bringing rubbish so far. Today will put Negaunee Township near three thousand pounds of recycled glass,” said Township Supervisor Gary Wommer.

It’s an example of the township’s proactive approach to the ‘Recycle 906′ program — aiming to save landfill space and turn glass materials into reusable products. “Right now it costs us $63 per ton of what we put in that landfill. Best recycling you can possibly do will be about 35% of your total waste going to the landfill,” explained Wommer.

The township supervisor added there were initial concerns about the project being a flash-in-the-pan — an unsustainable success. But growing support from the community and state backing such as from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has this service continuing three months in.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com