Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Kentwood
Michigan residential pickups occur weekly. Please check your local township or city map for your exact neighborhood collection day.
State Mandate
Keep yard clippings out of landfills. Return deposit bottles separately.
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
!Contamination Tips
Empty Your Bags at the Drop-Off Site
If you bring leaves or yard waste to Kentwood's seasonal drop-off site in bags, you must completely empty the contents onto the pile and take your plastic or paper bags back home with you [2.1.1].
Keep Film Plastics Out of Curbside Bins
Plastic grocery bags, bubble wrap, and flexible film wrap tangle sorting machinery at regional recycling facilities. Always return plastic bags to local retail drop-offs instead of placing them in your recycling bin.
Say No to Styrofoam
Styrofoam cups, egg cartons, and packing peanuts are not recyclable in curbside programs. Tossing Styrofoam into your recycling cart can cause the entire load to be rejected as trash.
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.
About Kentwood Waste Management
Private Hauler Subscription Model in Kentwood
Solid waste collection in the City of Kentwood operates through a private subscription or licensed hauler model rather than a single municipal utility contract. Residents independently contract with top-tier private service providers, such as Republic Services or Waste Management, to manage weekly household rubbish and recycling pickups. This gives homeowners flexibility in choosing service tiers while ensuring compliance with local property and environmental ordinances.
Seasonal Brush and Leaf Drop-Off Programs
To support local landscaping cleanups, the Kentwood Department of Public Works operates a dedicated seasonal yard waste drop-off site for city residents. When open during spring and fall windows, residents can bring natural materials—such as leaves, grass clippings, brush, and untreated wood—free of charge by providing proof of residency. Note that all bagged materials must be emptied out upon arrival, as bags are not accepted at the drop-off site.
Community Little Free Pantry Partnership
Kentwood's seasonal yard waste drop-off site uniquely integrates a community-focused initiative: a donation box for the city's Little Free Pantry. Residents visiting the site to dispose of yard debris are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or personal care supplies to support community members in need, blending sustainability with local charitable outreach.
Regional Collaboration via Kent County Recycling
While collection services are handled privately, recycling processing across Kentwood aligns with regional county infrastructure. The Kent County Department of Public Works provides comprehensive oversight for single-stream recycling guidelines, ensuring materials like cardboard, metal cans, and plastics are sorted properly to maximize diversion rates and minimize landfill waste.
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
How do I set up trash and recycling service in Kentwood?
Kentwood operates on a private subscription model. You must independently contact and contract with a licensed private hauler operating in the area, such as Republic Services or Waste Management, to establish your weekly trash and recycling pickup.
Where can I drop off yard waste and leaves in Kentwood?
The City of Kentwood operates a seasonal brush and leaf drop-off site at 5068 Breton Road SE during spring and fall. Proof of residency is required, and any bags used to transport yard waste must be emptied out on site.
Are there restrictions on when I can put my trash bins out?
Yes. According to Kentwood city ordinances, trash containers must not be placed out at the curb earlier than 6:00 p.m. on the evening before your scheduled collection day, and they must be stored out of sight or at the rear/side of your home otherwise.
Who do I contact if my trash or recycling was missed?
Because collection is managed by private haulers, you should reach out directly to your specific service provider's customer support line (e.g., Republic Services or Waste Management) to report a missed pickup.