The City of East Lansing, Michigan, has installed new recycling compactors at its Department of Public Works (DPW) drop-off site. The project was funded by a grant of over $400,000 from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). This is part of a multi-year plan to update the city’s recycling system. The goal is to improve efficiency, lower emissions, and make recycling easier for residents.
Previously, the city used open-top dumpsters. These often filled quickly because recyclables were not flattened, creating air pockets. As a result, the city made 70 to 90 trips per month to the recycling processor. Each load weighed between 300 and 700 pounds. With the new compactors, each load can weigh up to 10,000 pounds. The number of trips is now fewer than 10 per month. This change is expected to reduce vehicle use, fuel consumption, and staff time spent on hauling.
The new system also changes the recycling process for users. One compactor has replaced twelve open bins. This allows more types of materials to be collected in one place. The redesign aims to improve accessibility and reduce confusion about where to place recyclables. It also increases safety in the drop-off area. The compactors have smaller openings, which help prevent non-recyclable items from being added…