LANSING – State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak) joined U.S. Senator Carl Levin's call for a ban on Canadian trash after a federal report found that insufficient inspections of trash trucks at border crossings leave the state vulnerable to security risks. House Democrats have been fighting for more than a year to stop the massive influx of Canadian and out-of-state trash into Michigan.
"Canadian and out-of-state trash threatens our communities, our land and water, and our quality of life," Donigan said. "Now we find out that we can't be certain these trucks are only carrying trash – they could contain weapons or nuclear materials. This is unacceptable. Our priority should be protecting Michigan residents and boosting our economy by creating jobs of the future."
According to Department of Homeland Security Inspector General findings reported earlier this month, Canadian trash trucks are inconsistently examined for dangerous cargo at the Detroit and Port Huron ports of entry. The report found that trash is so dense in Canadian trucks that X-rays don't penetrate fully. Furthermore, only some trucks are X-rayed.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality said Michigan took in 6.2 million tons of Canadian and out-of-state trash in 2005, 100,000 tons more than in 2004.
House Democrats have a plan to curb trash imports by attacking the economics of the trash trade. They want to raise Michigan's dumping charge from 21 cents a ton – the lowest in the region – to $7.50 a ton. House Democrats also want to ban new landfills until 2011. The Republican-controlled Legislature allowed a ban on new landfills to expire on Dec. 31, 2005. At least six landfill operations are poised to expand or be newly built, with more likely to follow.
"Canadian trash is a serious problem for Michigan, and will continue to be until we take action," Donigan said. "Senator Levin is right to call for a ban on Canadian trash. I urge my fellow legislators to join me in banning this potentially dangerous cargo."