DTE Energy partners with NextCycle Michigan to divert 45 percent of waste by 2030
New partnership aims to boost Michigan's circular economy, supporting recycling innovation, landfill diversion, and sustainable business growth
DTE Energy has partnered with NextCycle Michigan to grow the recycling, composting and materials management industry in Michigan. This collaboration aligns with DTE's plans to support efforts that divert more materials from landfills, boost Michigan businesses that use recycled content, and explore new solutions for reusing materials, including solar panels and wind turbines.
The partnership will engage with a wide range of stakeholders, from government entities and large corporations to manufacturers and start-ups. The aim is to help Michigan meet its 45 percent waste diversion target by 2030 and foster a robust circular economy.
What is NextCycle Michigan
NextCycle Michigan is an initiative led by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), facilitated by Resource Recycling Systems Inc. (RRS), the Michigan Recycling Coalition, and the Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University. It connects entrepreneurs, companies, organizations, and communities with technical support, financial resources, and capacity building for projects in recycling, recovery, and reuse.
"Joining NextCycle is continuing DTE's journey in the circular economy space as we further our commitment to creating a cleaner, healthier environment today and for generations to come," says Christy Clark, director of environmental sustainability at DTE. "DTE's team is always looking for creative ways to make the business more sustainable and are looking forward to the unique opportunities NextCycle will help us identify to reduce waste in our landfills. This partnership is just one more step toward building a cleaner future for Michigan and beyond."
Michigan's circular economy
As Michigan's largest energy provider, DTE serves millions of residential and business customers across the province and is investing in a clean energy future with plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
DTE has already reduced waste through initiatives like appliance recycling programs and by selling thousands of gallons of used transformer oil monthly through Goodwill's Green Works. The NextCycle partnership will help DTE expand these efforts to support Michigan businesses while caring for the environment.
EGLE's initiative aims to develop collaborative projects that systematically tackle complex environmental challenges. Through this network, DTE will advance its recycling goals by leveraging partnerships and collaborative solutions. Since NextCycle's inception in 2018, partners have invested an estimated $680 million in Michigan's circular economy, providing accelerator teams with guidance, networking, and funding.
