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Post-Consumer Recycling Program Expansion at Meijer

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Project Description

In some communities, Meijer customers have limited access to recycling facilities. Towards this end, our team investigated and developed a solution to allow Meijer to boost recycling rates in the communities it serves. A mixed-method approach of primary and secondary research was used for this analysis. Initial research examined Meijer’s current recycling initiatives, also comparing competitors' recycling programs, exploring customer interest, and demand for other materials based on the survey. Recycling access investigations on ArcGIS were combined with a customer survey completed by 1765 mPerks rewards members. A per capita recyclables estimation alongside its breakdown of materials was calculated, before conducting an environmental and financial impact analysis. Finally, Meijer stores were ranked according to our priorities to lay a foundation for piloting the proposed customer recycling expansion. Overall, the team proposes a recycling drop-off for plastic film and corrugated cardboard based on customer feedback, competitor analysis, and our gap analysis results. This would be compatible with currently used shamrocks, as well as be flexible in their placement indoors or outdoors based on the store layout. Team members would empty it throughout the day. Expanding customer recycling at Meijer could generate measurable environmental and operational benefits. Financial modeling indicates that stores with moderate to high and medium participation would reach break-even usually within the first year. These findings support a targeted pilot approach focused on high-volume materials and stores where recycling access is limited.

Year
2025-2026
Project Status
Past Project
Client Organization
Meijer
Students Involved

Zeyuan Fu (SD,SS)   
Angela Lembang (BEC)  
Sachi Patil (SS)  

SEAS Faculty Advisor
Erik A. Petrovskis
Final Report
Final Report

I'M READY TO APPLYI WANT TO LEARN MORE

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University of Michigan
School for Environment and Sustainability
Dana Building
440 Church Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 764-6453
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