Help Reduce Landfill Waste
How Should I Dispose of...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
Meet Our New and (Even More) Qualified Education & Outreach Staff!
The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) announced enhancements to department educational programs with the hire of Katelyn Nettler as a new resource recovery specialist. Lauren Westerman, also a resource recovery specialist, recently earned her environmental...
read moreKent County administrative offices closed January 30 & 31, other critical operations remain open
Due to the predicted extreme weather conditions, all Kent County offices and courts (Probate, 17th Circuit Court and 63rd District Court) will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 30 and Thursday, Jan. 31. Certain functions will remain open for critical operations such as the...
read moreSpark Joy by Tidying Up
“Kondo’ing” Your Life? Here’s How to Donate or Recycle Your Old Stuff If you’ve been watching the Netflix series “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” you’ve probably felt inspired to clean out your closets, determine which items “spark joy” and dispose of everything else....
read moreKent County offices closing at 2pm Monday, January 28
Due to deteriorating weather conditions, all Kent County administrative staff will be sent home today (Monday, January 28) at 2:00 p.m. This will allow our employees time to return safely to their homes and allow our crews to clear the roads. Certain functions will...
read moreRenovation & Construction Waste Is Mounting!
Renovation, Construction & Demolition Waste Is Filling Landfills Faster Than You Think Thinking about renovating your kitchen? Is it time to replace your old deck? Do you need to replace your roof? As you’re planning your next home improvement project, don’t...
read moreThe Cost of Recycling
Dear Resident, You may receive a notice from your recycling service provider explaining that the cost for your curbside recycling service will be increasing. The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) has operated the Kent County Recycling & Education Center...
read moreFacts 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.