Recycling Center to Close this Summer

Kent County DPW announces closure of Kentwood recycling drop-off station 
Residents encouraged to explore curbside recycling options before drop-off station closes June 30 

The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) today announced the Kentwood recycling drop-off station located at the Kentwood Public Works Facility will close June 30. 

“With improved access to curbside recycling in southern Kent County over the past decade and increasing operational cost of public drop off sites, we are closing the Kentwood recycling drop-off station so that we can focus on recycling education and material processing provided at the Kent County Recycling & Education Center,” said Dar Baas, Kent County DPW director. “We understand this change may create an inconvenience for some residents. Reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfills continues to be our top priority and we encourage residents to add curbside recycling to their trash service.”

For residents in apartments, condominiums or other multifamily dwellings impacted by the closure, Kent County is now offering a grant program for property managers to include recycling for tenants. Contact Kent County DPW (recycle@kentcountymi.gov or 616.632.7920) to inquire about this program.

This closure is not related to global recycling markets or China’s decision to stop importing recyclables. Kent County maintains strong outlets for sorted recyclables in the Midwest and Canada.

Kent County DPW continues to provide drop-off recycling stations at their:

  • Recycling and Education Center, 977 Wealthy St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI  49504; open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., closed holidays.
  • North Kent Recycling & Waste Center, 2908 Ten Mile Road, Rockford, MI 49341; open Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., closed holidays.

 The Kent County DPW operated a recycling drop-off station at Kentwood Public Works Facility at 5068 Breton Road in Kentwood under a 5-year agreement beginning in 2007, providing recycling for residents when access to curbside collection service was limited or they lived where a property manager contracts for collection services. Kent County continued to operate the site beyond the initial agreement until it was determined that access to on-site or curbside recycling was widely available. Residents affected by the closure should contact their local waste hauler or inquire with their property manager for services and pricing. 

Visit www.reimaginetrash.org for additional information on how and where to properly dispose of materials in Kent County. 

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