The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Solid Waste Management Plan

Background

The Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) which was created in 2010, did not support extensive waste reduction by means of recycling or composting and majority of the waste was transported to a landfill. The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe (SCIT) is situated on the Isabella Reservation in Isabella County, Michigan with additional portions of the Reservation located in Arenac County.

The Challenge

ERG was hired to develop a new SWMP with an ambitious Zero Waste goal. Zero Waste is an ambitious goal to divert at least 90% of solid waste from landfilling.

ERG’s Solution

ERG developed a SWMP to be used by SCIT to move towards Zero Waste and become an exemplary community by 2040. Through the Zero Waste objective, the Tribe aims to maximize composting, recycling, and reusing of material. Furthermore, these waste reduction programs seek the diversion of valuable material from landfills.

The SWMP contained the following goals:

• Reduce the per capita municipal solid waste (MSW) generation by 30% in the next 10 years.

• Develop partnerships with residents, commercial entities, and surrounding communities to develop sustainable solid waste management strategies.

• Secure funding for establishing mechanisms within SCIT to improve current solid waste management practices to achieve the Zero Waste goal by 2040.

Client Results:

• ERG developed a SWMP that was approved by the Tribal Council within the approved budget and timeline.

 SERVICES PROVIDED

Solid Waste Management Plan