Leading Michigan’s Circular Future: Highlights from the MRC Conference
Big Moments, Bold Moves at MRC 2025
RRS Showcases Leadership Across Michigan’s Circular Future
RRS had a strong presence at this year’s Michigan Recycling Coalition (MRC) Conference, highlighting how public-private collaboration and thoughtful planning are shaping Michigan’s circular economy.
From leading the keynote to sharing practical insights on construction debris and startup acceleration, we demonstrated our commitment to supporting Michigan communities through every stage of the materials management process.
This year’s conference reinforced the importance of Materials Management Planning (MMP) — and the opportunity it presents for counties across the state.
Jim Frey Keynote: Charting Michigan’s Recycling Evolution
Inspiration Rooted in Experience, Driven by What’s Next
Jim Frey, CEO and Co-Founder of RRS, opened the conference with a keynote that traced Michigan’s decades-long recycling journey. He shared pivotal milestones like the state’s first curbside programs and the creation of NextCycle Michigan, while also looking ahead to the next frontier: MMP.
His message resonated with both longtime collaborators and new attendees — emphasizing that with smart planning, sustainable funding, and statewide collaboration, Michigan can accelerate toward a truly circular future.
“Michigan has a legacy of leadership in recycling, but the challenges we face today require a more integrated approach. The MMP process enables that, allowing counties to plan intentionally, engage stakeholders meaningfully, and unlock funding for real infrastructure improvements. What we’re seeing now is not just policy evolution, but a moment of alignment that can accelerate the state’s circular economy in a way that’s practical, data-driven, and community-informed.”
— jim frey, RRS ceo & co-founder
C&D Debris and the Power of Planning
Kristen Wieland on Data-Driven Strategies for High-Impact Streams
Kristen Wieland joined a panel discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities around Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris, one of the largest and most under-recovered waste streams in the U.S. Her insights, informed by recent C&D site audits and policy evaluations, emphasized the need for local governments and planning agencies to integrate C&D into long-term waste strategies.
From overlooked concrete and asphalt recovery to gaps in hauling practices, the session surfaced real-world barriers and bright spots. Kristen outlined how Materials Management Planning (MMP) can support more thoughtful and systematic approaches to C&D, and how aligning local practices with state policy can unlock better outcomes.
Learn how RRS helps communities develop innovative and economically resilient C&D recovery systems.
“What stood out at the mini-showcase was not just the diversity of projects, but the passion behind them. Each team brought a unique perspective to materials management — whether it was tackling food waste, improving traceability, or designing for reuse. It’s clear that people across the state are ready to push boundaries and experiment with new ways to reduce waste and create value.”
- Elisa Seltzer, RRS Senior Consultant
NextCycle Mini-Showcase: Innovation in Motion
RRS’ Elisa Seltzer joined the NextCycle Michigan Mini-Showcase, where four teams pitched their circular economy projects live to attendees. The event spotlighted creative ideas from across the state — including rural reuse, food waste solutions, and advanced tracking systems.
As a long-time NextCycle partner, RRS helps these innovators accelerate their ideas with support, technical expertise, and connections to funding pathways.
Looking Ahead
This year’s MRC Conference was more than a gathering — it was a glimpse at what’s possible when vision, policy, and community come together.
If you're preparing to develop or implement your Materials Management Plan, RRS is ready to help your county make the most of it!