The Story of Stericyle

When an infectious-waste recycling company proposed building a plant in the small, post-industrial town of Michigan City, Indiana, residents grew alarmed. What followed was a two-month period of soul-searching on the part of citizens, businesses, the medical community​ and ​local government officials. 

​I broke the initial story about Stericycle's plans and continued to investigate the company's processes and history, producing story after story as the community debated whether to welcome the firm to the town. Ultimately, the company withdrew its bid to locate in Michigan City.

My coverage of the controversy won multiple awards for reporting in the public interest. Below are just a few of the articles I produced to illuminate the issue, beginning with the initial story and culminating with a breaking news article announcing the company's decision to withdraw its plans. 
​

City chosen for infectious
​waste facility

Residents are surprised to learn that Michigan City officials gave a nod to the plant before plans for the facility were made public. 

Stericycle's plans produce
​hot issue

Citizens debate the promise of high-paying jobs versus the risks of trucking infectious waste into the community. 

Stericycle tells how it would operate

Company officials describe a process of sorting and disinfecting medical waste so that it can be recycled. 

Stericycle withdrew bids in two cities

The company had not always been welcomed with open arms in communities where it had tried ​to locate. 

Medical group opposes Stericycle

Opposition builds as the county medical society announces its opposition
​to the facility.

Stericycle calls it quits

In response to the community's opposition, Stericycle withdraws its plans to locate in Michigan City. 

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