The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced the Kentwood recycling drop-off station located at the Kentwood Public Works Facility will close June 30.

“With improved access to curbside recycling in southern Kent County over the past decade and increasing operational cost of public drop off sites, we are closing the Kentwood recycling drop-off station so that we can focus on recycling education and material processing provided at the Kent County Recycling & Education Center,” said Dar Baas, Kent County DPW director. “We understand this change may create an inconvenience for some residents. Reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfills continues to be our top priority and we encourage residents to add curbside recycling to their trash service.”

For residents in apartments, condominiums or other multifamily dwellings impacted by the closure, Kent County is now offering a grant program for property managers to include recycling for tenants. Email Kent County DPW or call 616.632.7920 to inquire about this program. For more information, click here.

This closure is not related to global recycling markets or China’s decision to stop importing recyclables. Kent County maintains strong outlets for sorted recyclables in the Midwest and Canada.

The Kent County DPW continues to provide two drop-off recycling stations at our facilities in Rockford and Grand Rapids.

The Kent County DPW operated a recycling drop-off station at Kentwood Public Works Facility at 5068 Breton Road in Kentwood under a 5-year agreement beginning in 2007, providing recycling for residents when access to curbside collection service was limited or they lived where a property manager contracts for collection services. Kent County continued to operate the site beyond the initial agreement until it was determined that access to on-site or curbside recycling was widely available. Residents affected by the closure should contact their local waste hauler or inquire with their property manager for services and pricing.

For more information:

• Shrinking margins, higher costs could limit access to recycling in West Michigan (MiBiz)
• Kent County to close recycling drop-off center (GRBJ)
• Kentwood recycling drop-off station closing this summer (WZZM)
• Drop-off recycling center in Kentwood to close this summer (MLIVE)

NOTE: This closure will NOT impact the SafeChem household chemical collection program, operated by Kent County Department of Public Works behind the Kentwood Public Works facility every Tuesday afternoon year-round.