Shape a Sustainable Future: Northwest Lower Michigan Launches Materials Management Planning Survey

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2025

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NORTHWEST LOWER, MI– Networks Northwest invites residents to actively participate in shaping the future of waste and materials management in their communities. Networks Northwest is collaborating with Antrim County, Charlevoix County, and the tri-county area of Manistee-Missaukee-Wexford Counties to update their respective Materials Management Plans (MMP). These planning processes are in response to amendments in Part 115, Solid Waste Management, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, which mandates updates to existing Solid Waste Plans, prioritizing sustainable practices like recycling and composting over traditional disposal methods.

These updated plans are essential for ensuring the proper management of all non-hazardous materials within Antrim County, Charlevoix County, and Manistee-Missaukee-Wexford Counties. They will establish guidelines for facility locations (such as landfills, transfer stations, and composting sites), document current and future infrastructure needs, and define community goals for a more sustainable approach to materials management.

To gather community input, Networks Northwest has launched a confidential and anonymous 25-question Materials Management Planning Survey. The survey takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes to complete, and the responses will directly assist the respective Materials Management Planning Committees in updating these important plans. "Community input, feedback, and participation are key to the success of any planning process," says Mathew Cooke, Community Planner at Networks Northwest, encouraging all residents in Northwest Michigan, but especially in Antrim, Charlevoix, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford County, to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share their insights. “Your feedback will directly shape how we manage materials for a more sustainable future."

Residents who provide their email address to be entered into a drawing for one of five $50 gift cards can be assured their email will only be used for that purpose. For more information on materials management and other planning process, visit nwm.org/mmp. Networks Northwest will announce additional engagement opportunities as the planning processes progress.

For any questions, to request a paper copy of the survey, or for additional assistance, please contact Mathew Cooke, Community Planner at Networks Northwest, by email at mathew.cooke@networksnorthwest.org or phone at (231) 929-5056.

Survey Link: https://bit.ly/MMPSurvey

Networks Northwest MMP Resource Page: https://www.networksnorthwest.org/community/materials-management-planning/