Since January of 2025, representatives from city, county, and state governments and nonprofits have met monthly to share ideas and coordinate efforts to start recycling initiatives, create jobs, secure public and private investments, and comply with state laws to keep valuable materials out of landfills. The Cook Family Foundation has provided support for this strategic networking from its inception. 

WHY NOW?
Recycling is not a new topic of discussion. What IS new is the update to Michigan’s old solid waste law, passed to create a different kind of system where landfills are not necessarily the ultimate destination for all of what might be considered “waste”.

This update, known as Part 115, requires counties to create a plan that aims to find more productive ways of managing discarded materials. The goals of this effort are to protect the environment/public health and ensure that materials (recyclables, organic materials, and solid waste) are sustainably managed to achieve benefits to the economy, communities, and the environment. 

So, with a tip of our hats to Mr. Rogers, the Shiawassee County workgroup’s efforts are running in tandem with a new County Materials Management Committee to develop plans focusing on waste as a starting point rather than a final destination. 

WE HEARD YOU

In February – April of this year, Dr. Kari Krantz held Community Engagement sessions throughout the county to learn what residents in our area think about recycling. It was apparent that participants were very supportive of recycling and wanted to know more about how they can participate. Dr. Krantz also took this opportunity to educate attendees about Part 115 and how it will affect us. Read the Full Report from the Recycling Listening Sessions.

WHAT HAS THE WORKGROUP ACCOMPLISHED SINCE JANUARY?

• Great Lakes Fusion received a major state grant for an exciting new compost facility that will serve our region. They will be collaborating with Resourceful Recycling to transport the organics with partners at Memorial Healthcare, Owosso/Corunna Public Schools, and many others.
• Encouraged sub-group action to develop goals and realistic actions:
  • Great Lakes Fusion received a major state grant for an exciting new compost program in partnership with Resourceful Recycling at Memorial Healthcare, Owosso/Corunna Public Schools, and others.
  • Three Cook Family Foundation recycling-related grants totalling $58,150, were awarded to the City of Owosso, the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Shiawassee Health and Wellness.
  • Student-led e-cycling events were conducted with on-going student recycling engagement activities going on throughout area schools.
    

    Electronics collected at the Owosso High School e-cycling collection event.

  • Shiawassee Regional Chamber  of Commerce and Resourceful Recycling presented at a statewide NextCycle event with an idea in the making and won a participation and “People’s Choice” grant award.
  • Waste site assessments are now provided at no cost to Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce and Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership member businesses.
• Sparked discussions to create educational initiatives for community outreach/student curriculum

READ MORE ABOUT THE WORKGROUP