Exciting things are happening in our community! The Van Buren Conservation District (VBCD) is currently working on a new Materials Management Plan. This program is a major step toward making Van Buren County and southwest Michigan more sustainable. It focuses on better ways to manage materials and ensures everyone has access to safe, reliable disposal options.
Residents of all ages are invited to get involved! Whether you are a recycling expert or just curious about how it all works, these upcoming events are the perfect chance to get your questions answered and see the process in action.
Materials Management Planning: Join the Conversation
Come meet Kalli Marshall, the Material Management Project Manager at VBCD, for an engaging session about the future of local recycling! This is a great opportunity to learn about the planning for our waste services while enjoying some delicious snacks. It is a casual environment where everyone is welcome to chat, share thoughts, and stay informed about our community’s goals.
Attend a Meeting:
Almena Township Hall
27625 County Road 375, Paw Paw, MI 49079
April 23, 2026
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Geneva Township Hall
62127 County Road 380, Bangor, MI 49013
May 20, 2026
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Behind The Scenes: Recycling Facility Tours
Have you ever wondered what actually happens to your items after they leave the bin? Now you can see the magic for yourself! The VBCD is hosting two exclusive tours of Recycle Works in Elkhart, Indiana. This is the main facility where most of the recycling from southwest Michigan is sorted and processed.
Kalli and Recycling Works Facility Manager Donovan Kelley will lead the way, showing you exactly how materials are handled and why “recycling right” is so important for the environment.
Tour Details:
Dates: April 29, 2026 & June 24, 2026
Time: 8:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Meeting Point: Van Buren County Mental Health Parking Lot (801 Hazen St., Paw Paw, MI 49079)
The Best Part: Hop on the provided bus for a fun trip! Light refreshments will be served on board, and you are more than welcome to bring a sack lunch to enjoy.
Don’t wait! Space on the bus is limited and an RSVP is required to secure your seat.
Supporting Our Community
These recycling events and services are proudly supported by the Van Buren Conservation District operations millage. Additional funding comes from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) grants. This work is a fantastic partnership between the VBCD, Van Buren County, and local municipalities.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Kalli at:
ResourceRecovery@VanBurenCD.org
269-633-9614
