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We're back!
We’re excited to bring back the Kent County Department of Public Works newsletter! After a pause, we’re restarting this newsletter to keep you informed about our latest projects, waste diversion efforts, and community resources.
Help us spread the word — please share this newsletter with your colleagues, friends, and community members.
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Board of Public Works Updates
New board members
The Board of Public Works welcomes three new board members, Commissioners Katie DeBoer, Jennifer Merchant, and Stan Stek. The board has voted Dan Burril as its new chair.
We want to thank our outgoing Commissioners Emily Brieve, Ben Greene, and Michelle McCloud for their time and dedication on the board.
DPW Updates & Highlights
Materials Management Planning Grant
We recently submitted our work plan for EGLE’s Materials Management Planning grant for Kent County. The program offers funding to help counties in Michigan manage waste more sustainably by expanding recycling and composting efforts and ensuring safe disposal options.
The Materials Management Planning Grant covers everything from food and yard waste to recyclables and solid waste. A new law sets statewide recycling goals, and the plan we submitted will detail how we can achieve these goals locally,” said Dar Baas, director of DPW.
A Materials Management Planning Committee was established in 2024 and is made up of individuals with diverse industry backgrounds, including elected officials, materials and waste operators, facility operators, and environmental interest groups. The committee meets monthly.
Nathan Yeomans receives SWANA Scholarship
Congratulations to our Environmental Compliance Manager, Nathan Yeomans, on receiving a scholarship to attend the Engineering Society of Detroit's Solid Waste Technical Conference. The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) offered the scholarship to its Great Lakes Chapter members to cover the cost of registration for the conference.
The conference focuses on cutting-edge technological innovations and solutions related to the solid waste industry.
"Attending this conference is an incredible opportunity to represent Kent County in the highest light. It’s a chance to showcase the great strides we’re making in waste management, sustainability, and environmental remediation while also learning from industry leaders," Yeomans said. “I look forward to networking with experts, exchanging ideas, and bringing back valuable insights that will help us continue making a positive impact in our community."
Learn more about SWANA’s Great Lakes Chapter.
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Spring Cleaning
Spring Recycling Guide
Whether it’s a famous Michigan false spring or the real one, we have your spring cleaning covered with our seasonal recycling guide!
The guide focuses on how to recycle common spring items, as well as the proper disposal of items that can't be recycled like garden hoses, paints and stains, and scrap metal.
See the guide below or view it on our site.
 
Poison Prevention Week
National Poison Prevention Week is March 16-22 and it's a great time to be aware of how to best dispose of household hazardous waste.
Some of the most common questions we get are people asking how to safely dispose of things like used chemicals, automotive fluids, flammable items, and other dangerous materials that shouldn’t go in the trash or down the drain. We have five locations around the county where residents can drop off these items for free. Also, if there is still some use in items dropped off, we’ll put them in our Swap Shop where people can pick them up for no cost.
Find more information at America's Poison Centers.
 See a complete list of how to recycle or properly dispose of
all common household items.
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- Interested in seeing the Recycling and Education Center in action? Come visit us during our Monday Open Hours! We're open to the public from 9 a.m. until noon every Monday for self-guided tours, upcycled crafts and games made from recycled items!
- The West Grand Neighborhood Organization is hosting its annual Community Clean Up and Volunteer Block Party on April 26. DPW will be there to help sort waste and answer any questions you may have about recycling and waste.
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