Tag Archives: Kent County Recycling Center

What can be recycled in Kent County, and how to do it — COVID-19 at-home tests

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  • Box containing COVID-19 home test kit. (WKTV)
  • “Medical” pieces of a COVID-19 home test kit. (Chicago.gov)
  • Plastic holder for COVID-19 home test kit parts. (Kent County)

By WKTV Staff and Kent County Department of Public Works

ken@wktv.org

What can and cannot be recycled in Kent County, and how do it. And what happens to everything else? WKTV Journal, working with Kent County Department of Public Works Resource Recovery Specialist Lauren Westerman, are working to look at specific consumer products and other items and give you the answers.

In this post, we look at those at-home COVID-19 rest kits — part plastic, part cardboard packaging and paper instructions, part that nasty stick you stuck up your nose and other medical materials. Maybe you want to just toss everything in the nearest trash can, but should you? Here is the lowdown from an expert:

(If you received the kit in the mail, remember to look for a recycling label on the mailer.)

Does your mailer envelope have a recycling label? (Kent County)

Remove the test supplies from the paperboard box. Flatten the box and place it into your curbside recycling cart. The paper instructions can also go into your curbside recycling cart. The box and paper will head to the Recycling Center where it is sorted out from non-paper items, baled, and transported to a local paper mill to be processed into a new paper product that can be used again.

After performing your COVID-19 at home test, throw away the swab, the wrapper from around the swab, the test card, the test card’s soft plastic pouch, and the empty plastic dropper bottle.

The only piece remaining is the hard plastic piece that (possibly) held all the various test pieces. If this hard piece of plastic has a recycling symbol on it, then it may be placed into your curbside recycling cart. The plastic will be sorted with similar rigid plastics at the Recycling Center, shipped to a facility where the plastic is flaked or pelletized, and eventually remolded into a new plastic item.

Do you have a question about a specific consumer product or other item? Contact WKTV at ken@wktv.org. Please send a photo of the product and the recycling label if available.

What can be recycled in Kent County, and how to do it —  Holiday light strings

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The actual lights and wires cannot be directly recycled but properly disposed of in available receptacles they will not go into he landfill. (Pixere)

By WKTV Staff and Kent County Department of Public Works

ken@wktv.org


What can and cannot be recycled in Kent County, and how do it. And what happens to everything else? WKTV Journal, working with Kent County Department of Public Works Resource Recovery Specialist Lauren Westerman, are working to look at specific consumer products and other items and give you the answers.

In this post, we look at those annoying strings of holiday lights that no longer work. Packaging often does not have any recycling information. But what does that mean? Here is the lowdown from an expert:

Many part of the packaging for holiday lights are recyclable, but not all. (WKTV)

Holiday string lights are considered electronic waste.  They cannot be recycled through single-stream or curbside recycling collection programs.  Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) has collection bins for holiday string lights at both North Kent Recycling & Waste Center and South Kent Recycling & Waste Center or they can be brought to our electronics recycling collection programs.  After Kent County DPW collects the string lights, they are taken to an electronics recycling company where the various component parts (types of metal, wires, plastics, glass, etc.) are separated and recycled accordingly. 

When you purchase new holiday string lights, there are a few different parts of the packaging to be aware of when it comes to proper disposal.  If the lights come in a box, empty the cardboard box, flatten it, and place it into your single-stream curbside recycling cart.  If you have any soft and flexible plastic packaging, tape, or twist-ties, place them into the garbage.

Do you have a question about a specific consumer product or other item? Contact WKTV at ken@wktv.org. Please send a photo of the product and the recycling label if available.

After month offline, and recycling piling up at home, county recycling center back in operation

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Recycling at Kent County’s recycling center will resume May 4. (Note: this file photo shows a worker prior to newly instated safety protections and equipment). (Supplied/KCDPW)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Recycling Center in Grand Rapids, which closed to all inbound loads of recyclables March 27 to limit exposures to COVID-19 to Kent County staff and workers, will come back online Monday, May 4, the Kent County Department of Public Works announced April 30.

Not only was the main recycling center — where household recyclable material is accepted, separated and processed for other uses — not accepting any recyclables but Kent County’s South Kent and North Kent transfer station were not as well.

Starting Monday, the main downtown center and the North Kent center will now be accepting household recyclables, although neither facility will be open on Saturdays at this time, according to the Department of Public Works (DPW) statement.

The DPW statement also acknowledged that dutiful recyclers were finding their bottles, cans and papers piling up.

So DPW is “celebrating” the restart by inviting recyclers to post photos of the recyclables they’ve been storing while the drop-off sites have been closed, tagging #returnofrecycling on Instagram or Facebook, or sending an email to recycle@kentcountymi.gov.

The Kent County Department of Public Works’ Recycling Center in Grand Rapids is coming back online, and so people can resume recyclables pick-up and drop-off. (U.S. Army)

“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,” Kristen Wieland, DPW communications manager, said in supplied material. “We encourage anyone with recyclables piling up in their garages to begin putting them out at the curb for collection now that we’re operating again.”

The DPW, in the statement, urged residents with stockpiled materials to recycle to follow the established guidelines for recycling in Kent County, which are available in the recycling guide on its website. (A graphic of which is shown below.)

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. If residents use a recycling drop-off station, they are reminded to keep 6-feet of distance between themselves and other recyclers.

“We’ve heard countless stories from dedicated recyclers who have been holding on to their recyclables and now have overflowing garages,” Wieland said. “I’m sure people are excited to get some of their space back, knowing their recycling is going to get processed and put back into new products.”

In addition to worker safety, the shutdown was necessary due to disruptions in recycling markets for processed materials. As other manufacturing processors shut down their facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kent County DPW’s ability to get recyclables to processors and end-users was constricted.

But Kent County DPW has now confirmed material sorted at the recycling center will be accepted by processors.

Early in March, the Recycling & Education Center received upgrades to its paper sorting equipment. These upgrades will improve the quality of paper sent to paper mills and will significantly reduce the daily maintenance time spent keeping the screens clean. The upgraded equipment also helps to keep workers safe by avoiding tangles that forced equipment shutdowns in the past.

The Kent County Department of Public Works provides municipal solid waste disposal services to ensure the effective removal, storage and disposal of residential and commercial solid waste. Additionally, Public Works operates the Kent County Waste-to-Energy Facility, an electrical generation facility. More information about the Kent County Department of Public Works facilities is available at reimaginetrash.org.

To keep employees safe, county recycling center to temporarily close March 27

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Recycling at Kent County’s recycling center will temporally close. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Recycling Center in Grand Rapids will close to all inbound loads of recyclables at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, to limit exposures to COVID-19 to Kent County staff and workers, the Kent County Department of Public Works announced March 26.

“The recycling center employs 40 people who handle the recyclables throughout the sorting process,” the announcement stated. “Due to the proximity of workstations on the processing line, maintaining six feet of separation between workers isn’t possible to maintain operations and minimize worker exposure to the COVID-19 virus. As other manufacturing processors shut down their facilities, Kent County’s ability to transport recyclables to processors and end-users has constricted.”

Beginning 5 p.m. on Friday, March 27, the recycling center will temporarily close to all inbound loads and to all recycling activities. The residential recycling drop-off station at North Kent Recycling & Waste Center will also temporarily close, also beginning at 5 p.m. on March 27. All recyclables normally delivered to these facilities must either be held until the recycling center reopens or placed in a bag for disposal in the trash.

“Kent County’s South Kent Landfill, Waste-to-Energy Facility and North Kent Transfer Station remain open to provide critical solid waste disposal services that sustain and protect public health in our community, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency,” according to the county announcement. “Residents are reminded to bag all trash before placing it at the curb for pickup by a waste hauler to reduce the risk of exposure to waste workers from items like used tissues and other personal hygiene products.”

The Kent County Department of Public Works provides municipal solid waste disposal services to ensure the effective removal, storage and disposal of residential and commercial solid waste. Additionally, Public Works operates the Kent County Waste-to-Energy Facility, an electrical generation facility. More information about service changes at Kent County Department of Public Works facilities is available at reimaginetrash.org.


Kent County recycling center to temporarily close for paper recycling separation upgrades

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Recycling Education also occurs at the Kent County Recycling & Education Center. (Kent County)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Kent County announced this week that Kent County Recycling & Education Center at 977 Wealthy St. SW will be closed and unable to accept recyclable materials from both curbside and public drop-off locations for processing while new equipment is installed.

The equipment upgrades will “improve efficiency and quality by replacing the mechanical screens used to sort paper,” according to supplied material. Renovations will take place starting Monday, Feb. 24 and last until approximately Friday, March 13, according to the county.

During that period, there will be no recycling accepted by the county — from citizens at the downtown and north county transfer facilities, or by contract trash haulers who also collect recycling — a county spokesperson confirmed to WKTV.

(WKTV)

“We are giving advance notice to ensure residents can get as much of their existing recycling picked up and recycled before the February 24 temporary closure,” Dar Baas, director of Kent County Department of Public Works, said in supplied material. “We understand this is inconvenient but it’s necessary to ensure we can continue to be a reliable processor of recyclables for the region.”

According to the county, paper accounts for 70 percent of the processed material at the recycling center. In 2019, the center processed 16,692 tons of paper product, the equivalent of 283,764 trees, according to the county. The facility sorts out at least a truckload of paper every day. The screens used to sort paper are original equipment from when the center opened in 2010 and have run for over 30,000 operational hours.

Recycling is an ever-changing technology. And Kent County’s recycling system is changing. (Supplied)

“Periodic upgrades and renovations, like the replacement of our paper screens, ensure the recycling facility is up-to-date and can efficiently and reliably process clean materials for recycling markets,” Nic VanderVinne, Resource Recovery & Recycling Manager for the Kent County Department of Public Works, said in supplied material. “The Kent County Recycling & Education Center allows residents to conveniently recycle materials with a single-stream sorting process, that requires we have screens to automate the sorting process for materials like glass, metal, plastic and paper.”

The Kent County Recycling & Education Center is approaching its 10th year of single-stream recycling. Over the past decade, the center has undergone periodic maintenance and upgrades to adapt to changes in community recycling habits and packaging trends. In 2017, Kent County added equipment to accept paper cartons and improve automation.

“The recycling industry has changed significantly in the past few years due to increased global import restrictions,” Baas said in supplied material. “It’s imperative we make improvements to keep producing a high-quality product in a very competitive domestic market.”

For any updates and more information on the temporary closure visit reimaginetrash.org or call 616-632-7945.

Kent County DPW to offer free tire disposal at Byron Center site Oct. 15-18

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Old tires are hard to recycle, but Kent County has a free take-back this week.

By Kent County


The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) Monday. Oct. 14, that community members can safely dispose up to 10 passenger tires for free at either the North Kent Recycling & Waste Center in Rockford and South Kent Recycling & Waste Center in Byron Center. Kent County residents can bring their old tires to either facility during normal business hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Oct. 15-18.


“Whole tires are notoriously difficult to get rid of because they are not accepted by trash pick-up and cannot be disposed in a landfill unless they are shredded,” said Dar Baas, director of the Kent County Department of Public Works. “We encourage Kent County residents to take advantage of this opportunity to properly dispose of old tires.”


The free tire disposal is made possible by a grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Tire disposal normally costs between $4-6 per tire. All the collected tires will be sent to a facility that will process and recycle them into new products.


The free tire disposal comes at a time when the Kent County Health Department is encouraging residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites due to the recent Eastern Equine Encephali s (EEE) outbreak, a virus that can lead to seizures, coma or even death. Old tires with standing water are a potential mosquito breeding ground. As of Oct. 11, there were 10 human cases of EEE in Michigan. There have been no human cases in Kent County.


“We encourage all residents to take every precaution to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” said Adam London, Health Officer Kent County Health Department. “Removing any potential mosquito breeding ground from your property not only helps protect you and your family, but it also helps protect our community.”


For facility hours, locations and contact information, visit reimaginetrash.org.

Kent County to close Kentwood recycling drop-off station; urges residents to seek other options

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Kentwood’s recycling center. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) announced this week that the City of Kentwood recycling drop-off station located at the Kentwood Public Works Facility will close June 30, but the county also urged residents to explore curbside recycling options available in the city.

One of those options — specifically for apartments, condominiums or other multifamily dwellings — includes a county grant program for property owners/managers to add recycling to their trash service.

“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,” Dar Baas, Kent County DPW director, said in a Monday, April 29, statement. “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 also announced a grant program for property managers to include recycling for tenants. Contact Kent County DPW (recycle@kentcountymi.gov or 616-632-7920) to inquire about this program.

According to supplied material, 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.

Kent County DPW continues to provide drop-off recycling stations at the following:

Recycling and Education Center, 977 Wealthy St. SW, Grand Rapids, which is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., but closed holidays.


North Kent Recycling & Waste Center, 2908 Ten Mile Road, Rockford, which is open Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., but closed holidays.

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 additional information on how and where to properly dispose of materials in Kent County, visit reimaginetrash.org .

Kent County Schools Go Green for Earth Day

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Twenty-eight schools across Kent County have been awarded with Michigan Green School certification in anticipation of Earth Day, celebrated April 22 each year. The schools participated in activities to learn about environmental topics, act on what they learned by doing service projects and share what they learned through outreach to their community and peers. 

 

After completing a list of activities covering topics like recycling, energy, environmental protection, or other environmental actions that suited the interests of the students, the schools submitted their applications to their Green Schools Coordinator, Kent County Department of Public Works Resource Recovery Specialist Lauren Westerman. To be considered a Michigan Green School, an achievement recognized by Governor Snyder and the Michigan Legislature through Public Act 301 of 2010, schools completed ten to twenty different activities relating to environmental studies. Based on the number of activities they complete, the schools are eligible for three different levels of Green School certification: Green, Emerald or, the top award, Evergreen. 

 

“These twenty-eight schools brought sustainability conversations into the classroom in really creative ways,” said Westerman. “From writing letters to President Trump to implementing a school uniform reuse room to adopting endangered species and taking a field trip to the Kent County Recycling Center, these schools have really invested me and energy into teaching the value of sustainability.” 

 

Schools that achieved Michigan Green School certification from Kent County include:

 

Evergreen School (completed at least 20 activities) 

Ada Vista Elementary, Ada
Cherry Creek Elementary, Lowell
City High Middle School and the Center for Economicology, Grand Rapids Emmons Lake Elementary, Caledonia
Grandville High School, Grandville
Highlands Middle School, Grand Rapids
Holy Trinity Catholic School, Comstock Park
Ke le Lake Elementary, Alto
New Branches Charter Academy, Grand Rapids
Northview Crossroads Middle School, Grand Rapids
Parkside Elementary, Rockford 

 

Emerald School (completed at least 15 activities) 

CA Frost Elementary Environmental Science Academy, Grand Rapids Congress Elementary, Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Montessori Public School, Grand Rapids
Grand View Elementary, Grandville
Meadow Brook Elementary, Grand Rapids
Murray Lake Elementary, Lowell
West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science, Grand Rapids 

 

Green School (completed at least 10 ac vi es) 

Bushnell Elementary, Lowell
Caledonia Elementary, Caledonia
Cedar Springs High School, Cedar Springs Cedar Springs Middle School, Cedar Springs Dutton Elementary, Caledonia
Forest Hills Central Middle School, Ada Forest Hills Eastern Middle School, Ada
Lee Elementary, Middleville
Lowell High School, Lowell
Paris Ridge Elementary, Caledonia 

 

Kent County Department of Public Works is the local county coordinator for the statewide Michigan Green Schools program, a non-pro t agency dedicated to assisting all Michigan schools to achieve environmental goals including protecting air, land, water and animals through good ecological practices and the teaching of environmental stewardship. The program started in 2005 as an idea of students and teachers at a school in Howell, Michigan and has grown to include more than 650 Michigan schools in 2016. 

Recycling Center to reopen after equipment upgrades to accept cartons, increase efficiency

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Kent County Recycling Facility

The Kent County Recycling Center will reopen today, Dec. 18, following scheduled upgrades.

 

Kent County entered into a planned facility outage Nov. 28 to install equipment to mechanically sort paper cartons and corrugated cardboard to help keep up with the community’s growing recycling needs. Kent County expected the outage to go through Dec.19 but is ready to begin processing recyclables a day ahead of schedule.

 

“All the equipment was installed as expected and we’ve tested it to make sure everything is working property so we’re looking forward to seeing the haulers deliver recyclables to us on Monday morning” said Nic VanderVinne, Resource Recovery and Recycling Manager for the Kent County Department of Public Works. “We’ve added two major pieces of equipment that will help us manage the incoming material. Adding cartons to the recycling stream will address a type of packaging that is growing in popularity but was previously not recyclable in West Michigan.”

 

As a result of the upgrades, residents and businesses whose recycling comes to Kent County’s Recycling Center will be able to include cartons, including empty creamer, soy and almond milk containers, juice boxes, milk cartons and boxed water.

 

The Kent County Recycling & Education Center is approaching its eighth year of processing single-stream recycling. Over the past seven years, the center has undergone periodic maintenance and upgrades to adapt to changes in community recycling habits. Kent County is investing $1.5 million into this round of upgrades.

 

The Recycling Education Center will be open to the public and staff will be available to answer questions on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week from 1-5 p.m. The facility is located at 977 Wealthy SW in Grand Rapids.