We HOST 3 GARBAGE SITES !

The local waste management system is not working for us! Businesses in Clinton County are important and should be supported as much as possible. However, we need to limit support to ensure we do not  negatively impact the County and her other residents' long-term health, safety, and economic growth.

Our current system Stinks! This isn't entirely a Clinton County problem. We are just disproportionately affected because we host 3 waste handling sites. We are the dumping ground of the tri-county area.


FACT: Incineration and landfilling will be more expensive than recycling for the public in the long-term. Recycling creates 10 jobs for every 1 job created in incineration or landfilling operations. Nearly 300 jobs are created for 10,000 tons per year of electronics recycling.* Business representatives have already publicly stated they would hesitate to place new facilities near the incinerator. sustainable and will have growing costs and health consequences. It would behoove Clinton County leaders to begin pushing the tri-counties to begin exploring alternative systems now.

FACT: Granger company operates our local landfills** and is thus important partner in solid waste management. They follow local and state environmental regulations as far as they go. However, Granger and other businesses could be more effective at reducing waste and pollution and simultaneously create green jobs IF given the right government and consumer incentives to recycle.

FACT: Clinton County has every incentive to support growth in this area given we are downwind of Lansing's trash stream. Clinton County government and elected officials can become properly informed and involved in decisions affecting residents by participating in tri-county land-use planning groups such as the Capital Area Airport Authority.

FACT: Some of our County Commissioners don't get it! They vote again and again to increase the amount of garbage brought in to our borders. Read about the new Airport Incinerator.

We at the Clinton County Democratic Party have another vision for Clinton County's future. We want a thriving community that takes advantage of renewable energy, our agricultural and outdoors heritage, modern technology, enjoyable and cooperative community participation. We want Clinton County, Michigan to be known as a model community for sustainability having a stable economy, environmentally safe industries, and healthy families.

* Job Creation:  Reuse and Recycling Vs. Disposal

Type of Operation	Jobs per 10,000 TPY
Product Reuse
Computer Reuse	296
Textile Reclamation	85
Misc. Durables Reuse	62
Wooden Pallet Repair	28
Recycling-based Manufacturers	25
Paper Mills	18
Glass Product Manufacturers	26
Plastic Product Manufacturers	93
Conventional Materials Recovery Facilities	10
Composting	4
Landfill and Incineration	1

TPY = tons per year
Note: Figures are based on interviews with select facilities around the country.
Source: Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Washington, DC, 1997.

Contact your Clinton County Commissioner

Phone or email your elected County Commissioner for your area http://www.clinton-county.org/board/board.htm .