The mission of the Copper Country Recycling Initiative (CCRI) is to work toward a Zero Waste System, envisioning a community that not only recycles but creates less waste in our everyday lives. This includes reducing consumption, buying in bulk, avoiding packaging, purchasing items made with recycled materials, donating items for reuse, educating the community on environmental stewardship and envisioning our trash as a resource.
1993
Grassroots group instigated a recycling trial for 6 county townships, villages and the City of Houghton. After 6 months, the trial ended.
1996
Citizen’s Committee instigated curbside recycling in Hancock. Participation in the program was 6 or 14% of the households.
2003
Waste Management established a recycling drop-off center in Houghton.
2014
Houghton County Planning Commission brought Elise Seltzer, Emmet Co. Dir. of Recycling to speak. A Task Force of people who attended the presentation was motivated to apply for a new MDEQ grant program to recycle cardboard at the County Transfer Station and the CCRI was born.
2015
CCRI received a $92,000 MDEQ grant (the largest in the state) to recycle cardboard and provide recycling education program.
2016
A cardboard recycling center was completed at the Houghton County Transfer Station, and another one at the Chassell Township headquarters. Cardboard Launch celebration at the Portage Lake District Library.
Fall 2016
Working together both cities of Hancock and Houghton awarded contracts to Waste Management, which included curbside recycling.
2017
Recycling 1-Year Anniversary Celebration at PLDL.
2020
CCRI completes survey of Houghton county.
Earth Day 2021
County offers single stream recycling at Transfer Station. (TV6 report)