Legislature considers lifting yard waste ban LANSING, Mich. (WZZM) - A bill making its way through the State Capitol could allow yard waste in Michigan landfills for the first time in almost 15 years. Supporters say it's a move to create more green energy. The bill could change the way you dispose of your waste. Since 1994 Michigan has not allowed yard waste; leaves, grass clippings and such, to go into landfills. That means most homeowners have to separate trash from yard waste. But, the state legislature could change that. Tom Horton of Waste Management says, "You simply put the material at the curb. You don't have to segregate it. It will travel in one truck to the disposal site." The House Energy and Technology Committee is considering a bill that would allow yard waste at some landfills, if the landfill uses methane gas to produce energy. Horton explains, "Yard waste material, like any other organic material, decomposes. When it decomposes within a landfill it produces methane gas. Which we have facilities that capture the methane gas, they're able to use it in the plant. Burn it in engines, which turn generators and produce electricity." Opponents of the bill argue landfills are already producing and using methane gas for energy. J. D. Lindeberg is an environmental engineer and consultant who says, "This won't dramatically increase the availability of green energy. Half a percent at best. Maybe 40 megawatts statewide." Then there is the argument about money. Lindeberg says, "It will increase tip fees going to the big landfill companies, most of which are internationally owned." But, Waste Management says it will bring money into the state. Horton says, "This bill will drive tens of millions of dollars in investment around the state in renewable energy, generate electricity, reliable power supplies for plants and facilities." On the other hand, small composting businesses like Spurt Industries in Zeeland would be hurt. Rick Menken of Spurt says, "It would devastate our business, it would basically shut us down." All over an environmental question. Fifteen years ago, supporters of the yard waste ban wanted to cut down on what was going into landfills and improve soil quality. Now, those who want to lift the ban point to green energy production. If the bill passes, landfills could only participate if they turn 70 percent of methane gas produced into energy. The House Energy and Technology Committee will continue it's hearing on the bill Wednesday at noon in Lansing in the House Office Building.
11/3/2009 5:38:22 PM
