Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) recognize Saturday as America Recycles Day in Michigan, according to an EGLE press release on Thursday.

According to the release, Whitmer has highlighted data that indicates Michigan’s recycling rate is at an “all-time high” for the fourth consecutive year. Communities across the state are hosting events with recycling-related activities.

“Participating in America Recycles Day on Nov. 15 is one way Michigan businesses and residents can help raise awareness about the need to reduce waste through sustainable materials management by reusing, recycling, composting, and buying recycled-content products,” Whitmer’s proclamation stated. “The recycling rate in Michigan has hit an all-time high for the fourth consecutive year, putting Michigan on track to achieve the state’s 30% recycling goal by 2029.”

According to EGLE, America Recycles Day celebration aligns with recycling goals in the state’s MI Healthy Climate Plan and EGLE’s mission to protect the environment and public health. The release states that EGLE “continues to fund infrastructure and provide technical support for projects that increase access to and awareness of recycling services throughout Michigan.”

“Michiganders are recycling more now than ever before in our state’s history,” Matt Flechter, a recycling market development specialist for EGLE, said in the release. “Celebrating America Recycles Day in Michigan can help us continue to increase recycling in the state and highlight how all Michigan residents can help strengthen the economy while contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment.”

EGLE’s recommendations for supporting America Recycles Day include the following.

— Get involved in community cleanups. According to the release, clearing away litter keeps waste out of ecosystems and makes public spaces more inviting.

— Take the plastic-free challenge. EGLE states that going plastic-free for a period of time can illustrate how small changes can make a difference in an individual’s plastic consumption. EGLE recommends using reusable bags, bottles, and containers.

— Buy recycled. Recycling only works if there’s a market for recycled materials, according to EGLE. When individuals buy products made with recycled materials — like aluminum cans, newspapers, cereal boxes, glass bottles, jars, et cetera — they help drive demand.

— Educate yourself and others. EGLE states that it is important to learn how recycling improves Michigan’s environment and economy. The department recommends researching how proper recycling keeps material out of Michigan landfills, protects the environment, and conserves resources.

According to the release, EGLE research shows Michigan has steadily increased its recycling rate from 14.25% before 2019, which was when Michigan ranked among the nation’s lowest in recycling. Last year, Michigan reached a recycling rate of 23% and currently holds an all-time high rate of over 25%. EGLE forecasts that Michigan is on track to achieve the state’s goal of a 30% recycling rate by 2029.

EGLE states that in 2024, Michigan residents recycled more than 64,000 tons of glass, 329,000 tons of paper and paper products, and 52,000 tons of plastics and plastic products. The volume of materials Michigan residents recycled in 2024 equals the weight of 10 Mackinac Bridges and would fill the football stadiums of the Detroit Lions, University of Michigan, and Michigan State University, as well as the hockey stadium of Western Michigan University.