All About Us
In 2018, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)’s Know It Before You Throw It campaign kicked off with six expert raccoons. The members, each with a specialty and personality that reflects their focus — plastic, cardboard, metal, paper, glass and everything else — teamed up to form none other than the Recycling Raccoon Squad.
Michiganders believe in recycling and support it, but many recyclers want to make sure they are doing it properly. But not to fear. The Squad is here to teach Michiganders how to recycle correctly and save recyclables from a life in a landfill.
blushing!
No need to fear, the squad is here!
Wondering how each member of our merry band came to be part of the Squad?
our origins!
Carlos
Cardboard
“Break it down … cardboard that is!”
Carlos
Cardboard
Carlos was nose-deep in research for his thesis on the integrity of cardboard-based structures when he heard a loud crack …
More Coming Soon
Gladys
Glass
“Recycled glass is just dazzling!”
Gladys
Glass
As president of a local canning club, Gladys was no stranger to filling jars. But something inside was eating at her. A small voice telling her there were others out there in need of her expertise …
More Coming Soon
Nyla
P. Lastic
“I’m like plastic … strong-willed.”
Nyla
P. Lastic
Nyla’s first week teaching had gone better than she could have imagined. But there was one thing that she couldn’t shake …
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Precious
Metale
“Rules? Just for recycling.”
Precious
Metale
It was supposed to be a typical practice. But when the lead guitarist in Precious’ band strummed that day, it was as if the strings of the guitar were the very strings of fate. The music swelled …
More Coming Soon
Paper
MacKay
“Recycled paper’s got a wee bit of magic.”
Paper
MacKay
It was the perfect day for reading a newspaper. Cloudy. A bit dreary. And just about ready to rain. As Paper sat on a sofa in his den …
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Frank
“I’m not like the others. I’ve got an ascot!”
Frank
The night was dark. His surroundings coated in dew from a dense fog. And Frank was face down in a recycling cart …
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great recycling, humans!
No one knows more about trash and recycling in Michigan than our raccoons.
Confident recyclers improve both the quality and quantity of Michigan’s recycling. The past five years alone have produced record-high recycling rates. And thanks to the efforts of Michiganders like you (with some help from our Squad) we are on track to reach the state’s recycling rate goal of 30% by 2029!
All About The
Michigan Department of Environment,
Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
Mission
To protect Michigan’s environment and public health by managing air, water, land and energy resources.
Vision
A Michigan that respects people, treasures natural resources and fosters thriving communities throughout our two peninsulas.
Values
EGLE makes reasoned decisions.
Within the bounds of state and federal laws and informed by science, EGLE delivers solutions that reflect our mission and equitably serve the interests of Michigan residents.
EGLE serves the public.
EGLE is accountable and responsive to all Michigan residents. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of government ethics and vigilantly steward public funds.
EGLE communicates.
EGLE proactively collaborates and engages the public to make informed decisions. We tell our story, so people understand what we do, why we do it and how our work benefits their lives.
EGLE leads.
EGLE takes a strategic approach that accounts for the impacts of today’s actions on future generations.
EGLE invests in our team.
Recognizing that knowledge and dedication drive success, EGLE provides a positive workplace with effective leadership and professional development opportunities.