Rather than expanding a landfill that is expected to run out of room for more trash by 2030, a Michigan county hopes to build a sustainable business park on the land originally planned for landfill expansion. By building the park on more than 200 acres, and attracting companies focused on reclaiming or converting waste material, officials in Kent County, Michigan, hope to reduce landfill waste by 20% in the next few years.
Estimates indicate that about 75% of material entering the landfill could be reused, repurposed or recycled, according to the AP. The county is considering investing as much as $230,000 in the plan.
The county awarded a contract to Virginia-based Gershman, Brickner & Bratton Inc. to develop a plan for the property. The preliminary plan is expected to be presented to the Board of Public Works in August, 2018.