The state is launching an effort in Flint to recycle the tens of thousands of water bottles and filters pouring into the city. By one estimate, only about 16% of Flint residents routinely recycle.
The city’s lead-tainted drinking water crisis is creating another problem with what to do with donated water filters and bottles.
State and local officials are teaming up with local companies to give Flint residents more ways to dispose of used water bottles and filters.
Matt Flechter is a recycling market development specialist with the state of Michigan. He says this presents a potential business opportunity.
“Moving materials out of the waste stream and into the recycling stream not only protects Michigan’s environment, it supports the economy,” says Flechter.
The water filters present a problem because of the lead and other contaminants that must be disposed of.
