Thank you for your interest in supporting materials management planning in our region. With recent updates to Part 115 of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), counties are now required to develop updated materials management plans that prioritize waste reduction, recycling, composting, and other sustainable practices. As part of this effort, we are forming working groups to help guide the planning process. If you are interested in contributing your knowledge, experience, or perspective, please complete the form below to express your interest. Your involvement will help shape a more effective and environmentally responsible approach to managing materials in our communities.
Descriptions and Purposes:
Each working group will need to designate a spokesperson. This person will be responsible for working with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission to help guide meeting direction and will be tasked with submitting a brief meeting summary following each gathering.
County Groups (Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren):
Description: The county working groups are comprised of a minimum of two MMPC members and three additional members. One of the members must be an elected official of the county.
Purpose: This working group will begin drafting county-specific goals for the Materials Management Plan. Once the policy working group reports to the MMPC, the county working groups will be tasked with deciding which siting ordinance and funding mechanism to implement.
Policy Working Group:
Description: The policy working group is comprised of a minimum of five members, two of which must be from the MMPC. This working group would be best suited for elected officials or members fluent in policy.
Purpose: The purpose of this working group is to research funding mechanisms for recycling programs and siting ordinances that can be reported back to the MMPC as a whole. This group should also consider what long-term policies the counties or region may want to implement to bolster recycling and organics programs, supporting end markets, and expanding materials management in the region.
Education Working Group:
Description: The education working group is comprised a minimum of two MMPC members and three additional members. This working group would be best suited for individuals already in the education or marketing realm.
Purpose: The purpose of this working group is to research and propose educational programming and/or campaigns for each county or region as a tool for implementation. This group will also research and report to the MMPC about educational opportunities.