Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Allendale
Trash Day
Trash collection is managed on an open-market system where residents contract directly with private haulers (such as Arrowaste, Republic Services, or Waste Management), so pickup days vary by provider and address.
Recycling
Curbside recycling is arranged through your chosen private waste hauler, typically collected on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule.
Yard Waste
Seasonal yard waste collection can be added as a separate subscription through your private service provider.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Township utility billing handles municipal water and sewer services; trash collection is not included and must be paid directly to your private hauler.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (ACH), Mail, In-Person
Varies by Hauler Bin (Trash)
Place bins at the curb the night before or by 6:00 AM on your scheduled collection day. Keep bins completely clear of snowbanks.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food wrappers
- ✓Dried latex paint
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Varies by Hauler Bin (Recycling)
Rinse all containers clean and break down cardboard boxes. Do not bag recyclables; place them loosely in the cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Corrugated cardboard
- ✓Mixed paper
- ✓Metal food & beverage cans
- ✓Clear and colored glass
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Aerosol cans
- ✕Latex paint
- ✕Window glass
- ✕Ceramics
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in paper yard waste bags or specially marked yard waste carts, strictly adhering to your private hauler's seasonal guidelines.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small brush
- ✓Twigs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By Request Only
Placement
Place approved bulk items neatly at the curb no more than 24 hours before your privately scheduled collection date, ensuring they do not block sidewalks or roadways.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Appliances (freon-free)
- ✓ Large household items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Liquid paint
- ✕ Concrete
- ✕ Large electronics
Additional fees apply and vary entirely based on the hauler you subscribe to and the size, weight, and type of the item being disposed of.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Because Allendale uses private haulers, holiday schedules vary. Typically, if a major holiday falls on a weekday, service is pushed back by one day for the remainder of the week (e.g., Friday collections move to Saturday).
Yard Waste Exception
Curbside yard waste collection is generally suspended during the winter months, regardless of holiday schedules.
Always verify the specific holiday schedule and alerts directly with your chosen private hauler (e.g., Arrowaste, Granger) via their customer portal.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to FebruaryDuring heavy Michigan snowfalls, never place your trash or recycling bins on top of snowbanks. Dig out a flat spot at the edge of your driveway so automated trucks can safely access the carts without delaying the neighborhood route.
Spring & Summer
April to SeptemberTake advantage of fair-weather months to clear out scrap tires. Ottawa County accepts up to 10 residential tires per visit ($2 fee per tire) to help mitigate fire hazards and prevent mosquito breeding in standing water.
Fall
October to NovemberAutumn leaf cleanup is essential in Allendale. Contact your private hauler to add yard waste service, or transport your compostable materials directly to an Ottawa County Sustainability Center to keep local storm drains clear.
Local Tips & Community Info
Navigating Residential Waste Collection in Allendale
Unlike municipalities that manage a single, township-wide sanitation contract, Allendale Charter Township operates on a private subscription model. This means that individual homeowners and neighborhood associations are responsible for selecting and hiring their own independent waste haulers. Popular local options servicing Ottawa County include Arrowaste and Republic Services. Because there is no centralized municipal pickup, your specific garbage collection day will depend entirely on the route schedule of the company you choose. Township zoning ordinances strictly prohibit the open burning or unauthorized dumping of household garbage, rubbish, or treated wood on any property, meaning a reliable curbside service is essential for every household.
Setting Up Your Curbside Bins and Service Days
When you establish an account with a local trash provider, they will typically deliver standard wheeled carts directly to your property. While collection times vary by provider, a general best practice across Allendale is to push your bins to the end of your driveway the night before your scheduled day. Ensure that the carts are placed on a flat surface, out of the main roadway, and positioned so that automated truck arms can easily grab them. If you live in a dense subdivision, coordinating with your neighbors to use the same sanitation company can significantly reduce early morning noise and heavy truck wear on residential streets.
Managing Recyclables and Prohibited Materials
Because recycling is handled through private contracts, residents who wish to recycle must opt into that specific tier of service with their chosen hauler. Most companies provide a separate, distinctly colored bin for single-stream recycling, accepting cardboard, clean plastics, tin, and glass. Keep in mind that hazardous materials like wet paint, vehicle batteries, automotive oil, and harsh chemicals are universally banned from standard curbside bins. For these dangerous items, residents should look out for seasonal hazardous waste drop-off events hosted by Ottawa County rather than tossing them into the regular trash stream.
Yard Debris and Large Bulk Cleanouts
Disposing of seasonal yard waste, such as heavy grass clippings or autumn leaves, often requires a separate arrangement since it cannot be mixed with standard household garbage. Many private haulers offer specialized compost or yard waste bins for an additional seasonal fee. If you are undertaking a major home renovation, clearing out an estate, or have large furniture to discard, you will need to schedule a bulk pickup in advance. Alternatively, for massive jobs, renting a temporary roll-off dumpster or hiring a local junk removal crew is often the most efficient way to stay compliant with township property maintenance rules.
Inclement Weather and Holiday Scheduling Modifications
Michigan winters can be unpredictable, and heavy snowfalls may occasionally disrupt morning sanitation routes. Property owners must ensure that the area around their trash carts is shoveled and free of large snowbanks so drivers can safely access them. Regarding holidays, most private haulers operating in Allendale observe major dates like New Year's Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If a recognized holiday falls on a weekday, service for the remainder of that week is generally pushed back by a single day, returning to normal the following Monday.
Drop-off Facilities
Georgetown Environmental Sustainability Center
6693 Roger Dr, Jenison, MI 49428
Materials Accepted
Coopersville Environmental Sustainability Center
15600 68th Ave, Coopersville, MI 49404
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Allendale Charter Township provide city-wide garbage pickup?
No. The township does not have a municipal solid waste department. Residents must contact a private disposal company, such as Arrowaste or Republic Services, to set up their own weekly curbside collection.
Am I allowed to burn my household trash in my backyard?
Absolutely not. Allendale zoning ordinances strictly forbid the burning, dumping, or burying of household garbage, treated wood, and other toxic refuse on residential lots.
How do I get rid of an old mattress or broken appliance?
Since you are contracted with a private service, you must call your specific provider to request a bulk item pickup. This often incurs a small additional fee. You can also hire local junk removal contractors for immediate disposal.