Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Kentwood
Trash Day
Collection days depend on your neighborhood and chosen service provider. The City of Kentwood operates an open collection system where residents contract directly with licensed private haulers (such as Arrowaste, Republic Services, or Waste Management), which operate on designated authorized route days Monday through Friday.
Recycling
Recycling pickup frequency (typically bi-weekly or weekly) and collection days are coordinated directly through your chosen private trash hauler or drop-off sites via Kent County Recycling.
Yard Waste
Curbside yard waste pickup is available as a subscription add-on through private haulers; the City also provides free seasonal brush and leaf drop-off programs at the DPW facility on Breton Avenue.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash collection is billed independently by your chosen waste hauler. Municipal water and sewer are billed quarterly by the City of Kentwood for homes west of Breton Avenue, while addresses east of Breton Avenue receive services and billing from the City of Grand Rapids.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (ACH), Phone, Mail, Drop Box, In Person
Varies by chosen private hauler (e.g., Black or Green carts) Bin (Trash)
Containers must have tightly fitted lids and be stored out of sight or at the rear/side of the building when not out for collection. Bins should be placed at the curb no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the night before your scheduled collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household refuse
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastic packaging
Varies by chosen private hauler or Kent County drop-off blue/yellow containers Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables should be empty, clean, and loose—never placed in plastic bags or tied bundles. Cardboard boxes must be broken down to fit inside the collection cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Corrugated cardboard boxes (flattened) [1.1.4]
- ✓Plastic bottles and containers (#1, #2, #4, #5, #7)
- ✓Metal food and beverage cans
- ✓Clean paper, newspapers, and magazines
Do NOT Include
- ✕Styrofoam packaging and cups
- ✕Plastic shopping bags and film
- ✕Food-contaminated paper plates or boxes
- ✕Electronics and batteries
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste can be managed through private hauler curbside subscription or brought to the city's seasonal drop-off site. If brought in bags to the city site, bags must be emptied out on arrival and disposed of separately.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves and grass clippings [2.1.1]
- ✓Brush, sticks, and logs
- ✓Untreated wood and woodchips
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Dependent on private hauler agreement or scheduled cleanups.
Placement
Contact your private hauler ahead of time to schedule bulk pickups and follow their precise curb placement and size guidelines.
Accepted
- ✓ Large furniture (sofas, tables, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Approved household appliances
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous chemical waste and oil-based paint
- ✕ Automotive parts and tires
- ✕ Large-scale commercial construction debris
Bulk pickup fees and limits vary according to your individual private service contract terms.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Because waste collection in Kentwood is handled through private subscription haulers (such as Republic Services or Waste Management), holiday schedules vary slightly by provider. Generally, collections falling on or after a major holiday are delayed by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
City-run yard waste drop-off sites are closed on major public holidays.
Residents should verify specific holiday collection timelines directly through their chosen private waste hauler's customer portal or app.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring and Fall
April, May, and October through DecemberThe City of Kentwood opens its seasonal brush and leaf drop-off site during peak landscaping months to help residents manage heavy yard debris [2.1.1]. Check city notices for exact opening and closing dates.
Winter / Holiday Season
December and JanuarySpecial holiday recycling and Christmas tree recycling options become available for residents following the winter holidays, helping households dispose of natural trees and holiday string lights sustainably.
Year-Round Weather Delays
January through DecemberDuring heavy Michigan snowstorms or icy conditions, private hauler pickups may experience temporary delays due to unplowed roads. Ensure carts are cleared of snow and placed securely away from snowplow paths.
Local Tips & Community Info
Understanding Kentwood's Open-Market Trash System
Unlike communities that manage a unified municipal sanitation fleet, the City of Kentwood operates on an open-market system. The local government does not levy taxes for garbage pickup or issue standardized city bins. Instead, each homeowner is responsible for independently contracting a private waste management firm. This privatized structure gives residents the flexibility to compare rates, container sizes, and service tiers among several competing haulers operating within the city limits.
Choosing Your Private Sanitation Company
When setting up your household refuse and recycling services, you have a few prominent options. Companies like Waste Management (WM), Republic Services, and Arrowaste frequently run routes throughout Kentwood's neighborhoods. Because these are private entities, collection days vary entirely based on the vendor's specific routing schedule. It is highly recommended to speak with your immediate neighbors before selecting a company; using the same provider often reduces heavy truck traffic on your residential street.
Yard Waste Drop-Off at Public Works
While you can pay your private hauler an additional fee for curbside compost collection, the City of Kentwood offers a fantastic local alternative. The Kentwood Public Works Department, located at 5068 Breton Road SE, hosts a seasonal yard waste drop-off site exclusively for city residents. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, homeowners can dispose of grass clippings, brush, and leaves without relying on their private garbage company. Proof of Kentwood residency is required upon entry.
SafeChem and Household Hazardous Waste
Disposing of toxic materials like wet paint, harsh cleaning solvents, and automotive fluids in your regular trash is both illegal and dangerous. Fortunately, Kent County operates a highly accessible SafeChem Household Hazardous Waste disposal site right inside Kentwood at 5068 Breton SE. Open on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., this facility allows residents to safely drop off chemical products so they can be processed and kept out of local landfills.
Curbside Placement Rules and Etiquette
Even though the city does not orchestrate the physical pickup, municipal ordinances still dictate how bins are handled to maintain neighborhood aesthetics. Refuse carts and recycling bins should only be placed at the edge of the driveway on your scheduled collection day. They must be removed from the right-of-way and stored out of sight promptly after the private trucks have serviced them. Blocking sidewalks or leaving bins out all week is prohibited and can result in ordinance violations.
Community Cleanup and Bulk Disposal
If you are clearing out a basement or replacing old furniture, you will need to call your specific private hauler to arrange a bulky item pickup, which typically incurs an extra charge. As a community benefit, the City of Kentwood periodically hosts a Community Cleanup Day at the Public Works facility. During these special events, residents can bring large junk items, scrap metal, and yard debris for centralized disposal. Always check the official city calendar for exact dates and accepted materials.
Drop-off Facilities
Kentwood Seasonal Brush and Leaf Drop-Off Site
5068 Breton Road SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
Materials Accepted
Kent County Recycling & Waste Center
977 7 Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544 (or South Kent Recycling Center)
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of Kentwood provide municipal trash carts?
No. The city utilizes an open-market system, meaning residents must independently hire a private sanitation company (like WM or Arrowaste) which will then provide the necessary bins.
Where can residents take their yard waste in Kentwood?
Kentwood residents can utilize the seasonal yard waste drop-off site managed by the Public Works Department located at 5068 Breton Road SE.
How do I safely throw away harsh chemicals or wet paint?
Do not put these in your private trash bin. Kent County operates a SafeChem Household Hazardous Waste location inside Kentwood on Breton SE, open on Tuesdays for safe disposal.