GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) announced the Kentwood recycling drop-off station located at the Kentwood Public Works Facility will close June 30.
DPW says that with improved access to curbside recycling in the area over the last 10 years, as well as increasing operation cost of public drop-off site, the closure was necessary so they can focus on recycling education and material processing at the Kent County Recycling & Education Center.
"We understand this change may create an inconvenience for some residents," Dar Baas, Kent County DPW director said in a release. "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. Contact Kent County DPW via email recycle@kentcountymi.gov or at 616-632-7920 to inquire about this program.
This closure is not related to global recycling markets or China's decision to stop importing recyclables, DPW clarified. Kent County maintains strong outlets for sorted recyclables in the Midwest and Canada.
Kent County DPW will continue to provide drop-off recycling stations at the following locations:
- Recycling and Education Center, 977 Wealthy St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504; open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., closed holidays.
- North Kent Recycling & Waste Center, 2908 Ten Mile Road, Rockford, MI 49341; open Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., closed holidays.
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