The mission of the Copper Country Recycling Initiative (CCRI) is to work toward a Zero Waste System, envisioning a community that not only recycles but creates less waste in our everyday lives. This includes reducing consumption, buying in bulk, avoiding packaging, purchasing items made with recycled materials, donating items for reuse, educating the community on environmental stewardship and envisioning our trash as a resource.

1993

6-month Trial in Houghton

Grassroots group instigated a recycling trial for 6 county townships, villages and the City of Houghton. After 6 months, the trial ended.

1996

Hancock Curbside Pilot

Citizen’s Committee instigated curbside recycling in Hancock.  Participation in the program was 6 or 14% of the households.

2003

Waste Management Opens Drop-Off Center

Waste Management established a recycling drop-off center in Houghton.

2014

CCRI Founded

Houghton County Planning Commission brought Elise Seltzer, Emmet Co. Dir. of Recycling to speak.  A Task Force of people who attended the presentation was motivated to apply for a new MDEQ grant program to recycle cardboard at the County Transfer Station and the CCRI was born.

2015

CCRI Receives MDEQ Grant

CCRI received a $92,000 MDEQ grant (the largest in the state) to recycle cardboard and provide recycling education program. 

2016

Cardboard Recycling launched

A cardboard recycling center was completed at the Houghton County Transfer Station, and another one at the Chassell Township headquarters.  Cardboard Launch celebration at the Portage Lake District Library.

Fall 2016

Houghton/Hancock add Curbside Recycling

Working together both cities of Hancock and Houghton awarded contracts to Waste Management, which included curbside recycling.

2017

1 Year of Curbside!

Recycling 1-Year Anniversary Celebration at PLDL.

2020

County-Wide Survey

CCRI completes survey of Houghton county.

Earth Day 2021

Single-Stream at Transfer Station

County offers single stream recycling at Transfer Station. (TV6 report)

​Our Partners and Supporters

CCRI has partnered with businesses, organizations and local governmental agencies to promote recycling in our area.