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.