LANSING -- Some lawmakers are seeking an increase in solid waste disposal fees to help reduce landfills and incineration.
A proposal by Rep. Daniel Scripps, D-Leland, would establish a $7.50 per ton state tipping fee on solid waste dumped at landfills and municipal incinerators.
A new surcharge initially would generate about $145 million annually. The amount could decrease over time if the program succeeds in reducing the volume of waste.
The money would be dedicated to residential recycling programs, solid waste program administration and assistance to local governments.
Kerrin O'Brien, executive director of the Michigan Recycling Coalition, said higher disposal charges could reduce trash imports from other states and Canada.
"The recycling industry has been waiting for the state to provide leadership," she said. "The proposal would develop funding mechanisms for recycling programs."
Michigan's current tipping fee, the cost of solid waste disposal, is low, O'Brien said.
"Many other states have higher tipping fees," she said. "Ours is comparatively low so it's been an attraction for other states to bring waste into state. With this new policy, we'll be able to reduce out-of-state waste."
The current fee is 21 cents per ton. Most other Great Lakes states charge more -- 50 cents in Indiana, $2.22 in Illinois, $4.75 in Ohio, $7.25 in Pennsylvania and $13 in Wisconsin, the highest in the nation.
According to the Department of Environmental Quality, waste imported into Michigan landfills has increased significantly over the past decade.
In 2008, imports rose to 17.2 million cubic yards, of which 10.7 million came from Canada, the largest source. More than 30 percent of solid waste dumped in Michigan landfills is from out of state.
That figure is up by 50,000 cubic yards compared to 2007 and 11.5 millions compared to 1998.
Some businesses consider the proposed surcharge a money grab and tax hike.
Randall Gross, environmental and regulatory policy director for the Michigan Manufacturers Association, said his organization opposes the proposal.
"We see this as a $140 million tax increase," Gross said. "The largest recyclers are manufacturers. An average-sized manufacturer would end up paying an additional $10,000 per year in waste disposal because of this tax."
Delta Solid Waste Management Authority Manager Don Pyle dislikes the legislation, too.
"The tax would be $428,000 to us here in Delta County," Pyle said. "We are opposed because we have recycling here and already cover the associated cost. So why tax us for something we already do?"
Matt Flechter, DEQ's recycling coordinator, said the 21-cents tipping fee is too low to fully fund recycling programs.
Clinton County Waste Management Coordinator Cara Clore said her agency hasn't taken a formal position on the surcharge legislation but thinks Michigan needs to do more to generate revenues to improve solid waste management.
Hyonhee Shin writes for Michigan State University's Capital News Service.
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