Help Reduce Landfill Waste
How Should I Dispose of...
Can You Imagine?
By reimagining the way we handle waste, we can generate change.
What we throw away in West Michigan:
What the trash we throw away is worth:
OUR GOAL: REDUCE LANDFILL WASTE 20% by 2020 and 90% by 2030.
Let Us Help You
Reimagine Your Trash
MEDICAL WASTE
Flushing or throwing away prescription drugs presents dangers by seeping into waterways.
ELECTRONICS
Small electronics can be recycled to divert potentially hazardous substances from the landfill.
APPLIANCES
Metal can be salvaged from your refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer and other large appliances.
BATTERIES
Utilize one of our partner battery drop-off sites that accept rechargeable batteries for recycling.
Reimagine Trash News
Plastic Shopping Bags and Shredded Paper No Longer Accepted in Curbside Recycling
The Kent County Recycling & Education Center will no longer accept plastic shopping bags and shredded paper starting Jan. 1, 2020, the Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) announced today. “Our goal is to get all materials that come into our facility into...
12 Days of Reducing Holiday Waste
While the holiday season begins a bit later this year, many people are already preparing for family gatherings, holiday parties and, of course, getting a head start on holiday shopping. It’s estimated that waste increases by about 25 percent in the United States...
High Winds Cause South Kent Waste & Recycling Center (Landfill) to close
11/27/19 12:20 pm - Due to high winds on the working face of South Kent Landfill, with sustained winds near 50 mph and measured gusts of 60 mph, we will be closing at 12:00 PM today, November 27, 2019. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding. Our...
Free Tire Disposal October 15-18 at Two Kent County Locations
Kent County residents can dispose up to 10 passenger tires for free in Rockford and Byron Center, Oct. 15-18, 2019 The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) announced community members can safely dispose up to 10 passenger tires for free at either the North...
Stand-By for Severe Weather at South Kent Landfill
9/27/19 3:05pm -- Kent County Department of Public Works (KCDPW) is currently tracking a severe weather system approaching the southern portion of our county, where our South Kent Waste & Recycling Center is located. Although, the working face of the landfill can...
Community recycling survey uncovers cost and access as main barriers for non-recyclers
Results from a survey of 2,115 Kent County residents paint a picture of a community with a strong desire to recycle but has limited access. This summer, the Kent County DPW partnered with West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) to conduct a Community...
Facts About Kent County Department of Public Works
The Waste to Energy Facility generates enough energy to continually power all the households in City of Walker.
DPW facilities recycle over 4,000 tons of steel every year, nearly enough to build the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
The SafeChem program safely disposed of 152,800 pounds of chemicals from homes.
The methane captured at South Kent Landfill generates enough energy to power nearly 2,500 households.