Michigan’s Landfill Surcharge: A Proposed Hike to Address Waste Management
Michigan may soon see a significant increase in landfill surcharge rates as part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s new budget proposal. The proposed changes aim to raise the current surcharge from 36 cents per ton to $5 per ton, a substantial increase intended to fund pollution cleanup and recycling initiatives.
Currently, Michigan’s low dumping fees have made it an attractive destination for out-of-state trash haulers. The proposed increase is designed to reduce this trend by aligning Michigan’s charges more closely with those of neighboring states. Phillip Roos, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, explained the rationale: “We’re No. 1 in the country in per capita waste in our landfills and it’s because we’ve become a trash destination.”
This surcharge hike is not a new idea. Governor Whitmer suggested a similar increase in last year’s budget proposal. However, the initiative stalled amid concerns from opponents who argue that higher fees will impact Michigan residents and businesses. The Michigan Waste and Recycling Association, a coalition of business organizations, voiced their concerns in a statement: “Imposing a $5 trash tax on each ton of solid waste will simply increase the cost of living and doing business in Michigan.”
Legal constraints add another layer of complexity. A 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision prevents states from charging different rates to in-state and out-of-state businesses, meaning any surcharge increase would apply universally.
The budget proposal will next be reviewed by the Michigan Legislature. With a politically divided legislature—Republicans leading the House and Democrats controlling the Senate—a bipartisan effort will be necessary to advance the proposal. Historically, such consensus has been challenging to achieve when it comes to increasing dumping fees.
For further details, you can view the official budget priorities and explore the implications of increasing trash tipping fees.
—
Read More Michigan News
