The eight counties that make up Michigan's Heartland region - Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Ogemaw, and Osceola - are working together to help reduce waste, reuse items, recycle materials, and compost organic materials.

public comment period

​Your voice matters! The Heartland Materials Management Plan (MMP) has been drafted and is ready for public comment. We invite the residents and business owners of the Heartland counties to get involved in the MMP process by providing your feedback. We also encourage you to review the MMP Timeline and FAQ documents below for more information on the MMP process.
​Deadline to submit your comments through the feedback survey is October 30, 2026.
Download & Review the MMP:
Provide Your Feedback:

​A public hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on October 23, 2026, in the Doherty Hotel & Conference Center ballroom, located at 604 N. McEwan St., Clare, Mich. An overview of the draft MMP will be presented, with an opportunity for residents and business owners to provide verbal comments in person. 

QUICK LINKS

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Heartland MMP - Draft
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Heartland MMP Timeline
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Heartland MMP FAQ

J​OIN THE MAILING LIST

 Submit your email address to receive updates on the MMP process. ​
WHAT IS AN MMP?

A Materials Management Plan (MMP) is a document that outlines actions to guide the management of a county’s waste materials with an emphasis on reducing waste, increasing recycling, expanding composting, and improving overall sustainability. Previously, counties worked with a Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) that focused more on ensuring adequate landfill capacity.
WHY DO WE NEED AN MMP?

Michigan’s state government aims to reduce waste, keep valuable materials in use, and preserve the natural elements of our state. The Michigan legislature passed Part 115 of the bipartisan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, which requires counties to develop MMPs that reflect a sustainable approach to managing waste materials.
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Currently, Michiganders have increased the state’s recycling rate to 25%. Great progress has been made, but to reach a 30% recycling rate by 2029 and a long-term target of 45%, everyone needs to take action.
WHO IS INVOLVED?

On April 25, 2025, through the approval of each county, the Heartland Materials Management Planning Committee (MMPC) was formed with the primary goal to develop a comprehensive MMP that will result in a sustainable approach to waste diversion, recycling, composting and resource recovery. Helen Lee of Isabella County leads the MMPC as the designated planning agent. After a bid/proposal process, the MMPC hired consultant Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) to support the draft and submission of the MMP. The process includes opportunities for residents and elected officials to provide feedback. Additionally, the draft plan will require approval from the Board of Commissioners, a majority of the municipalities within the counties, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
Moving away from the old take-make-waste model to embrace a circular future that keeps valuable materials in use can have positive impacts on the environment, the economy, and our communities.
​MMP TIMELINE
  • May 2026: Resident & Elected Official Surveys
  • June 2026: Stakeholder Focus Groups
  • August 2026: Planning Committee Reviews/Approves Draft Plan
  • Fall 2026: Public Hearing & 60-Day Public Comment Period
  • Fall/Winter 2026: Plan Revisions 
  • Winter/Spring 2027: Board of Commissioners Reviews/Approves Draft Plan
  • Spring 2027: Municipal Approval Process 
  • July 2027: Draft Plan Submitted to EGLE for Final Approval
  • 2027+: Plan Implementation
​ADDITIONAL RESOURCES External Website Links

QUESTIONS?
Please contact Annette Coles, Mecosta County
Email: [email protected]