Discarding These Notions

Gov. Jennifer Granholm and members of the Michigan Legislature are considering various regulations and taxes to discourage the importation of Canadian trash to Michigan landfills. We examine below the regulation of landfills in the state, their capacity and Michigan’s trash imports and exports to better assess policy options. Modern landfills are among the most regulated industries nationwide. From site selection and design to construction and operation, landfills are managed to minimize environmental contamination and maximize reuse of sites in the briefest possible time. Waste companies presently invest between $750,000 and $1 million per landfill acre to comply with state and federal regulations.