On Dec. 6, Rod Liggons, the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Government Relations Director, testified in support of a new Waste Management, Inc. (WM) recycling facility in Detroit receiving its conditional use approval. The material recovery facility at 1550 Harper Ave. will process 40 tons of recyclable material per hour and cultivate Michigan manufacturers’ ability to acquire recycled content. The new facility will enable Detroiters across the city to recycle, which has never been possible.
“WM has a strong national track record of waste collection and recycling, and this new construction will not only provide the city of Detroit with over $50 million investment in the latest form of recycling but it is also expected to create several employment opportunities,” said Liggons at the City of Detroit Meeting.
WM has constructed similar facilities across the country, but this would be the first one of its kind in Michigan. The recycled materials will be available to be purchased by manufacturers across the state and region, thus reducing the cost of shipping similar products from abroad from countries like China.
“By investing in innovative waste solutions, we are helping our customers reduce their greenhouse gas emissions,” said Aaron Johnson, WM’s Area Vice President, “WM has commissioned research that shows that Detroit is a top five city that demands recycling expansion.”
The Chamber supports this investment from WM in the City of Detroit and the increased recycling investment in the Detroit Region. The Chamber continues to recognize the importance of reducing waste and emissions and applauds the investment of $50 million from WM in this new facility.