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Department of Public Works
For Immediate Release: March 22, 2023
Contact: Steve Faber
PH: 616-821-8006
EM: stephen.faber@kentcountymi.gov
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Kent County Recycling and Education Center To Reopen on Friday
Grand Rapids, MI – The Kent County Recycling and Education Center (REC), located at 977 Wealthy St. SW, will reopen on Friday, March 24, after an incident caused structural damage to the building that required the facility close for three days. The damage occurred Monday afternoon when bales of cardboard recycling built up and pushed through the building’s sidewall, damaging the exterior wall and a roof support beam. No one was injured.
“We have ensured the building is supported and assessed the full extent of the damage to the facility,” said Dar Baas, director of the Kent County Department of Public Works. “We’ll be testing equipment Thursday and plan to begin accepting material and processing recyclables on Friday.”
The Kent County Department of Public Works worked with structural engineers to assess the damages and local construction companies to put in building supports. Permanent repairs will take several months to complete. The residential recycling drop-off is open, as well as tours and education programming at the REC.
Kent County’s REC serves as the primary materials recovery facility for residential recyclables generated throughout West Michigan. During the three-day closure, incoming material was diverted to the Waste-to-Energy facility.
“We occasionally experience closures at the recycling center when we need to shut the processing line down to install new equipment or make repairs,” said Steve Faber, marketing and communications manager for the Kent County Department of Public Works. “During these outages, it’s always a good idea to connect with your waste hauler to see if they recommend holding on to your recycling.”
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