News File Photo A recycling bin is seen in Alpena in this 2021 News file photo.

ALPENA ― Up North communities could get help teaching residents the ins and outs of recycling through a new program announced on Wednesday by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Local governments, nonprofits, solid waste authorities, and resource recovery authorities can apply to the program, which will provide customized educational materials – and cover some mailing costs – to teach residents of small Michigan communities how, where, and why to recycle.

EGLE will open the program to communities of less than 10,000 households on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested applicants can learn more at recyclingpartnership.org/MI-EGLE.