GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After a five-week shutdown, the Kent County Recycling & Education Center, as well as, the residential drop-off stations at North Kent Recycling & Waste Center will reopen and resume collecting recyclables on Monday, May 4, 2020.
The recycling center shut down began on March 27, in order to limit the exposure of COVID-19.
As of right now, the center will not be open on Saturdays.
Since the shutdown began, the Kent County Department of Public Works says it's put a number of measures in place to increase cleaning and promote social distancing.
“We thank residents who have stored their recyclables during the shutdown for their patience and commitment to recycling and reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills,” said Kristen Wieland, Kent County DPW Communications Manager.
The shutdown was also necessary because the recycling center had a limited ability to send recyclable to processors. Processors had shut down their facilities due to COVID-19. But now, processors are once again accepting recyclables from the center.
The Department of Public Works asks resident to continue following guidelines provided in the recycling guide on its website.
“We’ve heard countless stories from dedicated recyclers who have been holding on to their recyclables and now have overflowing garages, “said Wieland.
If residents have been storing materials for recycling in bags or other containers, they are asked to remove all materials from bags before dropping them off or placing them in a recycling cart. DPW also reminds patrons to keep a 6-feet distance from other people at drop-off sites.
Kent County DPW wants anyone who has been storing their recycling during the shutdown to send a picture before dropping it off or putting it in your cart.
Residents can share their photos on Facebook and Instagram by using the hashtag #returnofrecycling or by sending an email to recycle@kentcountymi.gov.
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- Kent County Recycling Center will be closing due to COVID-19 concerns
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- 'Earth Day Must Go On' | West Michigan business organizes virtual clean up
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