Materials Management Planning (MMP) Committee
Welcome to the Hillsdale County Materials Management Plan
Hillsdale County is developing a new Materials Management Plan (MMP) in accordance with Michigan’s updated Part 115 requirements. The plan will guide how recyclable materials, compostable materials, and municipal solid waste (MSW) are managed throughout the county while identifying opportunities to improve services for residents and businesses.
The planning process is transparent and encourages public participation. This webpage serves as the central location for project updates, meeting information, planning documents, and public engagement opportunities.
More information about Michigan’s Material Management plan updates can be found here: Material Management Plans.
Project progress updates and supporting documents are available through the Hillsdale County Materials Management Plan Document Library. New information, draft materials, and updates are first presented during monthly committee meetings before being finalized and added to the public document system.
Visit the Hillsdale County Materials Management Plan Document Library
Common Terms & Acronyms
Materials Management Plan (MMP)
A countywide planning document required by the State of Michigan under updated Part 115 legislation. The MMP evaluates how materials are managed, including recycling, composting, reuse, recovery, and disposal, and identifies opportunities to improve the system.
Materials Management Planning Committee (MMPC)
The local committee responsible for guiding development of the Materials Management Plan. The MMPC reviews project information, provides input, and participates in the planning process.
Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP)
The previous county planning document used to address solid waste management and disposal needs. Michigan’s updated Part 115 requirements transition counties from Solid Waste Management Plans to Materials Management Plans, which place greater emphasis on recycling, reuse, composting, recovery, and sustainable materials management.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
Common household and commercial waste generated by residents, businesses, and institutions. MSW may include materials such as trash, recyclables, food scraps, and other everyday discarded materials.
Materials Management
An approach that considers the entire lifecycle of materials, including how materials are generated, collected, reused, recycled, composted, recovered, or disposed of.
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
The state agency responsible for overseeing environmental protection programs, including Materials Management Planning requirements.
Part 115
Part 115 of Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), which establishes requirements for solid waste regulation and Materials Management Planning.
Designated Planning Agency (DPA)
The local government agency or entity responsible for coordinating development and implementation of the county’s Materials Management Plan.
About the Materials Management Plan
What is an MMP?
A Materials Management Plan is a countywide planning document required under Michigan’s updated Part 115 legislation. The plan replaces the previous Solid Waste Management Plan and expands planning to include:
- Recycling
- Composting
- Household hazardous waste
- Organics management
- Material recovery
- Sustainable materials management
- Disposal capacity
Rather than focusing solely on landfills, the MMP evaluates the entire materials management system and identifies opportunities to improve services, increase access to recycling and recovery programs, and plan for future needs.
Why is this Important?
The plan will help Hillsdale County:
- Maintain adequate disposal capacity
- Improve access to recycling opportunities
- Evaluate existing materials management infrastructure
- Identify future needs and opportunities
- Support economic development
- Protect public health and the environment
- Meet state planning requirements
Meeting Information
All committee meetings are open to the public.
Visit the official meeting portal for:
- Agendas
- Meeting Packets
- Approved Minutes
- Meeting Schedule
- Resolutions
- Public Notices
View Meeting Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
What is changing?
Michigan updated Part 115 to replace county Solid Waste Management Plans with Materials Management Plans that take a broader approach to managing materials through recycling, composting, reuse, and disposal planning.
Will my garbage collection change?
Not as a result of preparing the plan. The MMP evaluates current services and identifies recommendations for future improvements.
How long will this process take?
Development of the Materials Management Plan occurs over several phases, including data collection, facility inventories, public engagement, draft plan development, public review, county approval, and EGLE review.
Can I participate?
Yes. Public participation is encouraged throughout the planning process. Opportunities to review draft materials and provide comments will be announced as they become available.
Public Engagement
There are several ways to stay involved:
- Attend Planning Committee meetings
- Review project documents
- Participate during the formal public comment period
- Contact the Designated Planning Agency with questions
Contact
Materials Management Planning Committee
Hillsdale County, Michigan
Hillsdale County Material Management Plan Consultant
Hannah Allen- Second Nature Consulting
(231)-533-2101