On Sept. 14, the City of Flint announced it has hit an all-time high in recycling with an increase of 253% from 2024 to 2026, after a new analysis from the city’s Waste Management Department.
Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley, City of Flint Waste Services Coordinator Heather Griffin and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Director Phillip Roos were all present at an outdoor press conference at Flint City Hall on Sept. 14, celebrating the work.
In 2024, the City of Flint ran an initiative aimed at eliminating waste within the city. Using this program, they distributed 68,000 free trash and recycling carts to Flint residents.
From 2024 to 2026, recycling across Flint increased from 624 tons per year to 2200 tons per year.
In the announcement, Mayor Neeley said that investing in Flint residents helped increase recycling.
“This is a great example of what happens when we invest in our residents and make it easier for them to participate. Flint residents are recycling more, and that is something our entire community can be proud of,” Neeley said.
A new Genesee County Recycling & Education Center, aimed at teaching Flint residents about recycling, is in the works. However, there is no current date for the opening.
Maxwell Loxton is a writer for the Michigan Times he can be reached at mloxton@umich.edu.
