Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are lasting longer than manufacturers initially predicted, and the question of what happens next is becoming increasingly urgent. Across Michigan, organizations are building the systems, partnerships, and technology needed to safely test, reuse, and recycle retired EV batteries—extending battery life and recovering valuable materials.

What if reuse was easier than throwing something away?

From reusable takeout containers to refillable beverage systems and upcycled textiles, innovators across the Midwest are redesigning everyday systems to make reuse the default and not the exception.

Across Michigan, very different efforts by three NextCycle Michigan teams are chasing the same goal: keep food scraps out of the landfill by building reliable collection paths. Each model brings a different approach to effectively collect food scraps and help ensure Michiganders can do the right thing.

Most Americans use electronics, leading to enormous amounts of e-waste. At the same time, many students do not have access to digital resources. The Hendricks Foundation is bridging that digital divide by collecting e-waste and teaching students to refurbish laptops.

Michigan’s upper peninsula boasts 30% of the state’s landmass, but only 3% of its population. Its rural nature results in a recycling capture rate of only 2%. However, several teams are making an impact on recycling infrastructure, organic material recovery, and innovative recycling technology.

The 5,000 square mile NEMCOG region of Northeast lower Michigan is home to over 132,000 people. Residential access to recycling varies by community. Area counties took action to strengthen recycling across the region.