WESTLAND, Mich. – Michigan environmental leaders say it’s important to teach the next generation to be better stewards of the environment, and learning how to recycle is part of that.
Students from American Montessori Academy in Westland are doing their part.
They recycle about 73% of their school’s waste.
“Every day they’re like, ‘Can I go. Can I go recycle?’ So their enthusiasm makes me excited,” said Albert Mack, a fifth-grade teacher at American Montessori Academy.
Mack says that excitement is helping reinforce recycling habits that can last well beyond the classroom.
“It’s very important because we can save our world and save our animals if we recycle,” said fourth-grader Vivian Lents.
Michigan’s recycling rate is now at 26%, up one point from the previous year and nearly double what it was in 2019.
EGLE forecasts Michigan is on track to hit the state goal of 30% by 2029.
“We’re doing great. Every year, that number has been going up since we started measuring it. We’re putting a lot of investment in getting recycling carts and sorting equipment out in Michigan’s communities,” said Tracy Kecskemeti, EGLE director of the Materials Management Division.
Michigan still falls below the national recycling rate of 32%, and the U.S. EPA has set a goal of 50% by 2030. State officials shared the challenges of increasing recycling among Michiganders.
“Just knowing what the rules are of recycling, knowing what can go in the cart and what shouldn’t go in the cart,” Kecskemeti said.