Tri County Seeks Public Input on New Materials Plan

Officials in Benzie, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau counties have opened a public comment period as they develop a regional Materials Management Plan, known as an MMP. The three county Materials Management Planning Committee is asking residents, local governments, and businesses, institutions, and organizations to complete one of three confidential online surveys available now at gtcountymi.gov. Each survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, and responses will shape decisions about recycling, composting, and waste infrastructure across the region.

The MMP process responds to amendments to Michigan's Part 115 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. Those changes require counties to adopt materials management plans that prioritize sustainable practices such as recycling and composting over traditional disposal. Once approved, the MMPs will replace existing solid waste management plans and set community goals for handling materials and waste throughout the three counties.

Planners say the MMP will establish guidelines for siting facilities including landfills, transfer stations, and composting sites. The plan will also identify current and future infrastructure needs and help local officials prioritize investments. For Grand Traverse County residents this could affect curbside programs, drop off options, regional transfer services, and long term planning for tourism seasons that drive waste volumes.

The three county committee holds monthly meetings that are open to the public, offering additional opportunities for input beyond the surveys. The committee is staffed by Lydia Gulow, who can be reached at lgulow@gtcountymi.gov. For help or more information about the surveys, contact the counties' consultant, Susan Wenzlick, at swenzlick@fishbeck.com.

This planning effort reflects a broader shift seen globally toward closing material loops and reducing landfill dependency. Local participation will determine how the region balances environmental goals, fiscal realities, and community values. Grand Traverse County residents and organizations are encouraged to visit gtcountymi.gov to complete the appropriate survey and to attend committee meetings to ensure their priorities are reflected in the final plan.