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DPW Updates & Highlights

Flow Control Implementation

Starting January 1, 2026, new requirements will take effect as part of updates to the County's Solid Waste Management Ordinance. Approved by the Board of Commissioners in November 2024, "flow control" is a materials management strategy that allows DPW the ability to designate specific facilities for the treatment, processing, and disposal of solid waste, supporting more efficient operations and responsible environmental management. 

The ordinance amendments took effect on February 6, 2025, following public notice by the County Clerk’s Office. A compliance date is planned for January 1, 2026, giving time for education, preparation, and transition efforts.

To help guide the process, a stakeholder work group will be formed this summer with representatives from local government, the waste and recycling industry, and other key partners. We’ll continue to share updates and resources as the process moves forward to keep everyone informed.

Recycling in Action Initiative

The Recycling & Education Center is participating in the first national Recycling in Action initiative this month! This free event is put on by the Association of Plastic Recyclers, who are looking to highlight plastic recycling across the nation. 

Join us Saturday, May 31 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. for guided tours of the Recycling and Education Center, upcycled crafts and more! 

Find more information.

Community Cleanup

On April 26, our Communications team was at the West Grand Community Cleanup afterparty. We had a blast helping people sort out what could be composted or recycled from their trash!

Residential Foam Recycling Drop-off

Kent County residents now have a way to recycle a notoriously stubborn form of plastic waste: Foam polystyrene, commonly called Styrofoam. At the North Kent Recycling & Waste Center, we've installed a polystyrene densifier, which compacts the material into foam bricks to be taken to a processor and reused. The material was previously not accepted, ending up in a landfill, because it is difficult to recycle due to being mostly air. “Foam polystyrene has been a problem material for recycling centers for a long time because it takes up so much space due to its air contents, making it inefficient to process,” said Nick VanderVinne, deputy director of the DPW. “Now we are able to compress and process it so it can be reused, which aligns with our goal of reducing landfill waste in Kent County.” Accepted items include packing foam, foam coolers, foam cups, and takeout containers, and should all be white in color. We do not accept packing peanuts, colored foam, meat trays, or items with food residue. The North Kent Recycling & Waste Center is located at 2908 Ten Mile Road in Rockford and is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Civil War Era Cannonball at SafeChem

A recent incident at our Wealthy Street SafeChem Center is an important reminder about properly disposing of hazardous materials. On April 23, our staff received what is believed to be a Civil War-ear cannonball. After a quick investigation from DPW staff, the Grand Rapids Police Department Bomb Squad was called, and the building was evacuated as a precaution. Thankfully, the situation was handled safely, and the cannonball is undergoing analysis to determine whether it's explosive. “The safety and security of our staff and community is our number one priority,” said Dar Baas, director of DPW. “We thank our first responders for their quick response to this incident and want to remind residents that explosives are not accepted at our SafeChem drop-off sites because they pose potential dangers for our staff and community.” Kent County residents who have items to dispose of that they are unsure about can call us at 616-632-7920 or visit reimaginetrash.org, for information on what materials are accepted at our five SafeChem drop-off sites. To safely dispose of any military ordnance, contact your local police department or the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.

Answering your Hard Hitters

We’ve received quite a few phone calls recently from people trying to dispose of yard waste as they spruce up their outdoor spaces. Michigan law prohibits yard waste such as grass clippings, branches, and leaves from being put into landfills. 

First, check with your local city or township to see if they have a drop-off location for residents. If your community or hauler doesn’t offer drop-off or pickup services, check out some of the companies that offer this service.

For many other items that you are wondering how to dispose of, check out our Waste and Recycling Directory.

Upcoming Events

• Recycling in Action
  • May 31
  • 9am - 12pm
• Global Garbage Man Day
  • June 17
• Pleasant Peninsula
  • July 26