Resource Recovery #83

Daily we generate vast quantities of all types of resource recoverable materials. Our society must reduce as much solid waste as practical through a wide variety of ways.

We specifically support strategies for resource recovery through the following:

• Utilization of farm plastic recycling programs such as Clean Sweep.
• Recycling programs for agricultural tires and all reusable agricultural material.
• Establishment of a grant or loan program to facilitate purchasing equipment capable of processing agricultural and heavy-duty tires and tracks.
• Adopt-a-local roadside program.
• Michigan Farm Bureau working with universities, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to seek solutions for composting of organic materials including, animal, plant, forest and silvicultural materials and differentiate between agricultural and commercial composters to protect the welfare of residents as well as the integrity of agriculture.
• Incentives for the use of biodegradable products, especially those made from renewable agricultural-based products.
• Amendments to the bottle law requiring like containers have a 10-cent deposit.
• Land application of properly researched and approved materials at agronomic rates without additional state or local regulation.
• Alternative uses for excess food ranging from food banks to anaerobic digesters.

We encourage agricultural representation on all established Solid Waste Advisory Committees which are required by the Solid Waste Management Act.

We oppose the hauling of all waste for disposal, including nuclear and hazardous waste, into Michigan from other states and countries.