In light of the incident last week (June 22,2017) at the Kent County Recycling & Education Center (description below), the Department of Public Works will offer free drop-off of single-use compressed gas tanks through the summer at two of its disposal locations:
- South Kent Recycling & Waste Center, 10300 South Kent Drive, Byron Center
- North Kent Recycling & Waste Center, 2908 Ten Mile Road, Rockford
Free disposal applies to one pound compressed gas tanks only. Fees apply for larger tanks. Please do not put propane or other compressed gas tanks in recycling bins or carts!
Propane Tanks Cause Small Explosion at Recycling Center
Grand Rapids, MI – This morning, June 22, an explosion occurred inside the baler at the Kent County Recycling & Education Center at 977 Wealthy SW in Grand Rapids. The cause of the explosion was three small one-pound propane cylinders. One Kent County staff person was taken for medical observation. Grand Rapids Fire Department was dispatched.
Though they’re considered ‘disposable’, small camping-style propane cylinders are not recyclable. With camping season upon us, it is critically important that these metal tanks be disposed of properly. Propane tanks of all sizes should be brought for safe disposal to any of these locations:
- South Kent Recycling & Waste Center, 10300 South Kent Drive, Byron Center
- North Kent Recycling & Waste Center, 2908 Ten Mile Road, Rockford
- Or any of Kent County’s SafeChem household hazardous waste drop off centers, listed at www.accesskent.com/waste.
Kent County DPW is working closely with Grand Rapids Fire Prevention Bureau.
