Recycling in Grand Rapids, MI

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

• SafeChem (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • SafeChem is free to all Kent County residents, funded by the Kent County Solid Waste Management Ordinance. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • SafeChem has five disposal sites with set days and hours; no appointments are needed. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The Wyoming SafeChem site is at 2350 Ivanrest Avenue SW, Grandville 49418, Mondays 1-3 pm and Thursdays 7-9 am; it takes no electronics. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Businesses, schools and farms cannot use SafeChem. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • More than 6 moving boxes, more than 20 gallons, or a container over 5 gallons counts as a large amount; call ahead (616-632-7941). Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Grand Rapids SafeChem Household Hazardous Waste & Swap Shop, 1045 Wealthy Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Open Mondays 1:30-5:30 pm, Wednesdays 7:30-11:30 am, Thursdays 1:30-5:30 pm and the second Saturday of each month 8:30-11 am. Checked October 26, 2026.
• SafeChem Accepted Materials (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • SafeChem accepts oil-based paint and stain and lacquer. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • SafeChem does not take alkaline batteries (safe for the trash) but still accepts rechargeable, lithium and cadmium batteries. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Other Batteries (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • Rechargeable, lithium-ion and button batteries are household hazardous waste to take to any of the five SafeChem locations. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Car Batteries (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • Car batteries should be taken to any of the five SafeChem locations. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Paint (Oil-Based) & Stains (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • Oil-based paint is hazardous and goes to one of the five SafeChem locations. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Latex Paint (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • Latex paint is not hazardous, goes in the trash once dried out, and is not accepted by SafeChem. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Dried-out latex paint can go in regular trash or to North Kent or South Kent for a fee. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Electronics (Recycling & Waste Directory) (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • Residents can bring electronics to three drop-offs: North Kent Recycling & Waste Center, the SafeChem site on Wealthy St. in Grand Rapids (during SafeChem hours) and South Kent. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Most electronics are free to recycle except CRT monitors and freon appliances; the Wealthy Street SafeChem site does not take large appliances or freon devices. Checked October 26, 2026.
• TVs & Computer Monitors (Flat Screen) (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • Flat-screen TVs and computer monitors can be recycled free at the three electronics drop-offs. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Other Electronics (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • Any item with a battery or a cord can be recycled free at the three electronics drop-offs. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The electronics drop-offs are for residents only and do not accept commercial e-waste. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Recycling Drop-Off Locations (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • Recycling & Education Center drop-off station, 977 Wealthy Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504; Monday-Friday 7:30 am-4:30 pm. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Kent County recycling drop-off stations are currently free to all residents; no business, farm or school recycling. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The drop-off stations are meant for people who do not have recycling where they live. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • South Kent does not take all single-stream recycling, only cardboard. Checked October 26, 2026.
• North Kent Recycling & Waste Center (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • North Kent services include electronics recycling, appliance recycling, SafeChem, tire recycling and scrap metal recycling. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Solid Waste Disposal & Recycling Rates (effective October 1, 2026) (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • Resident general refuse is charged by vehicle load: car trunk $30, pick-up/van/SUV $40, car and trailer $50, truck and trailer $60. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Appliances with refrigerant cost $20.00 each; all food and containers must be removed first. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Mattress or box spring: $20.00 each. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Electronics and other appliances are free. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • CRT monitors and TVs: 27 inches and under $20 (Kent County resident) or $30 (non-resident); 28 inches and larger $40 (resident) or $50 (non-resident). Checked October 26, 2026.
  • CRT 28 inches and larger: $50 for non-residents. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Tires: regular (up to 42 inches) $4.00 each, large (42-50 inches) $6.00 each. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Scrap metal is free. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Single-stream recyclables from residents are free. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Tires (Recycling & Waste Directory) (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • Tires go to the North Kent or South Kent center for a small fee. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Scrap Metals (Recycling & Waste Directory) (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • North Kent and South Kent are the county's two free scrap metal drop-offs; no payment is given for scrap. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Appliances (Recycling & Waste Directory) (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • Appliances can be recycled at the North Kent and South Kent residential appliance drop-offs; any appliance containing refrigerant (freon/CFCs) has a fee. Checked October 25, 2026 (automated check) · not yet confirmed.
  • Appliances must have all food and debris removed. Checked October 26, 2026.
• TVs & Computer Monitors (CRT & Box) (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • CRT TVs and monitors go to North Kent or South Kent for a fee based on size and county residency. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Furniture (Recycling & Waste Directory) (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • Couches, tables, chairs and other furniture that cannot be donated can go in curbside trash or be landfilled at North Kent or South Kent for a fee by vehicle load. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Mattresses (Recycling & Waste Directory) (opens in new tab) · Kent County Department of Public Works
  • Mattresses and box springs can go out as hauler bulk trash or be landfilled at North Kent or South Kent for a $20 fee. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Locations (opens in new tab) · Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids
  • Goodwill stores are open Monday-Saturday 9 am-8 pm and Sunday 11 am-6 pm. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Bulk Item Collection (opens in new tab) · City of Grand Rapids Public Works
  • A City bulk sticker costs $40; leave the item at the curb until it is collected. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Maximum size of any one item is 6 ft x 5 ft. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Items are generally collected within one week of purchase; services bought online do not need a sticker. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Appliances needing a sticker include washers, dryers, water heaters, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, microwave ovens and air conditioners. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Refrigerator and freezer doors must be removed for collection. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Furniture needing a sticker includes bed frames, buffets, couches, dressers, love seats and recliners; sectional couches need a sticker for each section. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Box springs and mattresses need a sticker; a mattress and box spring together need only one. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Televisions of any kind are not collected curbside; the City points residents to Kent County resources. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Refuse, Recycle, & Yard Waste Violation Explanations (opens in new tab) · City of Grand Rapids Public Works
  • The City does not collect hazardous waste, including tires, and refers residents to Kent County. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Service Guidelines - PAYT & Recycling (opens in new tab) · City of Grand Rapids Public Works
  • City service guidelines: large items and appliances go to the curb with a $40 bulky item sticker. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Single Stream Recycling Program (opens in new tab) · City of Grand Rapids Public Works
  • Place paper and cardboard in the recycling cart; break boxes down to 2 ft x 2 ft and flatten. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Mattress Recycling Event (opens in new tab) · City of Grand Rapids
  • The City announces its 3rd annual Mattress Recycling Event, at no out-of-pocket cost for residents, with Mattress Shredderz recycling mattresses and box springs. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Must be a City of Grand Rapids resident with ID, able to unload their own items; limit 4 items per vehicle. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Accepted: mattresses, box springs and foam bed toppers of any size. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • 2026 event: October 24, 2026, 12-3 pm, Richmond Park North Dirt Lot, 963 Richmond Street NW, Grand Rapids. Checked October 26, 2026.
• ReStore Hours & Location (opens in new tab) · Habitat for Humanity of Kent County
  • Habitat for Humanity of Kent County ReStore, 1739 Elizabeth Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Shopping Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm and Saturday 10 am-4 pm; donation drop-off Monday-Saturday 10 am-2 pm (call ahead). Checked October 26, 2026.
  • ReStore phone 616-647-9292; donation phone 616-202-7305. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Drop-off Locations (opens in new tab) · Comprenew
  • Comprenew Recycling Center & Showroom: drop-off for small businesses and residents at 629 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; 616-451-4400; Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Store locator data (goodwillgr.org/locations) (opens in new tab) · Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids
  • Goodwill Michigan Street Store, 956 Michigan Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · City of Wyoming Clean Water Plant
  • Drop-off hours are Monday 1-3 p.m. and Thursday 7-9 a.m. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The four HHW sites in Kent County (Rockford, Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Wyoming) are open to all Kent County residents. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Alkaline batteries are no longer accepted, but Ni-Cd, lithium-ion, lead acid, nickel metal hydride and nickel zinc batteries are accepted free from any Kent County resident. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The HHW program stopped accepting alkaline batteries on January 1, 2016. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Accepted materials include oil-based paints and stains. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Water-based paints (latex, acrylic) are not accepted. Checked October 26, 2026.
• EGLE: Electronic Waste Takeback Program (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
  • Manufacturers must run a convenient takeback program so consumers can return covered devices to the manufacturer or its representative at no charge. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Covered electronic devices include desktop and laptop computers, monitors, tablets, televisions and printers. Checked October 26, 2026.
• EGLE FAQ: Michigan electronics takeback program (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
  • EGLE says consumers do not pay a fee to recycle a computer or television covered under the program; it is meant to be a free takeback system paid for by manufacturers. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • All manufacturers offer a free takeback program, and each has a no-cost option for televisions too large to mail back. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Manufacturers' no-cost return options are mainly mail-back programs, linked from the manufacturers' websites and their registration documents. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • EGLE keeps a list of registered manufacturers with links to each manufacturer's page explaining where covered equipment can be recycled. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Computer manufacturers only have to take back their own brands; television manufacturers must take back any brand of television. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • EGLE treats a tablet as a computer in most cases. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • A consumer is a person who used the computer or television mainly for personal or small business purposes in Michigan. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • A small business under the law has 10 or fewer employees. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • A collector that is not directly part of a manufacturer's takeback program may charge a reasonable fee. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Collectors may charge to take electronics the law does not cover, such as keyboards, mice, speakers, cables, cords and wires. Checked October 26, 2026.
• MCL 324.17309 Computer takeback program (opens in new tab) · Michigan Legislature (Michigan Compiled Laws)
  • MCL 324.17309: since April 1, 2010, a consumer does not pay a separate fee when returning a covered computer to its manufacturer or the manufacturer's designee. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Collection methods that can meet the convenience requirement include mail or shipping, a staffed permanent local collection site, periodic local collection events, or drop-off at a retailer. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • A manufacturer's computer takeback program does not have to accept more than 7 covered computers from one consumer on one day. Checked October 26, 2026.
• MCL 324.17311 Video display device takeback program (opens in new tab) · Michigan Legislature (Michigan Compiled Laws)
  • A manufacturer's TV takeback program does not have to accept more than 7 covered video display devices from one consumer on one day. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • MCL 324.17311: a consumer does not pay a separate fee when returning a covered TV through any TV manufacturer's takeback program. Checked October 26, 2026.
• MCL 324.17301 Electronics: definitions (opens in new tab) · Michigan Legislature (Michigan Compiled Laws)
  • A "video display device" is a device with a screen of 4 inches or larger and a tuner that can receive and display TV or video programming; it includes CRT, plasma, LCD, LED and projection TVs. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • A "computer" under Part 173 is a desktop or laptop computer, a computer monitor, or (since April 1, 2011) a printer; PDAs and mobile phones are not included. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Computer peripherals such as mice and detachable or wireless keyboards are not covered computers. Checked October 26, 2026.
• MCL 324.17101 Battery disposal: definitions (opens in new tab) · Michigan Legislature (Michigan Compiled Laws)
  • A "lead acid battery" under Part 171 is a storage battery used to start an engine or as the main power source for a vehicle. Checked October 26, 2026.
• MCL 324.17103 Retailer of lead acid batteries; duties (opens in new tab) · Michigan Legislature (Michigan Compiled Laws)
  • Retailers of lead acid batteries must accept used ones from customers, in a quantity at least equal to the number of new batteries they sell. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The required store notice says retailers must accept used lead acid batteries when you buy a lead acid battery or within 30 calendar days of the purchase. Checked October 26, 2026.
• EGLE: Safe battery disposal (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
  • EGLE: lead acid batteries (car and boat batteries) may not go in Michigan landfills, and any business that sells them must collect them for recycling. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • EGLE tells residents to take an old lead acid battery back to where they bought the new one. Checked October 26, 2026.
• EGLE: Where can I take my household hazardous waste? (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
  • EGLE: Michigan's Battery Disposal law requires retailers and auto repair shops that sell batteries to offer customers recycling. Checked October 26, 2026.
• EGLE: Landfill Prohibited Materials and Special Wastes (guidance, rev. 3/2021) (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
  • If the seller isn't an option and the battery is from your own household equipment, EGLE points residents to its household hazardous waste page for recycling options. Checked October 26, 2026.

“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.