Van Buren Conservation District

The Van Buren Conservation District is an independent unit of local government whose mission is to promote the conservation of natural resources through partnerships, providing public education and services. They have coordinated recycling in Van Buren County since 2011, expanding education and outreach as well as hosting numerous events such as drop-offs for electronics, household hazardous waste, foam, passenger & semi tires, paper shredding, and batteries.

One of Van Buren CD’s biggest priorities is ensuring that their recycling opportunities remain accessible to all residents which is why they offer their drop-off programs at no-direct cost and rotate locations around the county. Van Buren’s most recent initiative is their battery recycling program, funded in part by the 2022 EGLE Rural Electronics Grant. This project has provided battery drop off stations to seven libraries, Senior Services of Van Buren County and their office for residents to conveniently drop off batteries for recycling. 

Van Buren is looking forward to updating their Materials Management Plans as many other recycling entities across the state will be doing following the passage of Part 115’s update to Michigan solid waste law. This will allow them to really prioritize their recycling goals. They hope to continue to grow by expanding transfer stations and/or drop off recycling stations to add recycling services to areas that do not currently offer recycling. 

Thank you to Van Buren Conservation District for being a Recycle, MI Partner which educates Michigan’s communities, provides effective, equitable services to residents, and leads by example.