Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Plainfield Charter Township
Trash Day
Curbside collection days vary depending on the private licensed waste hauler contracted for your residence.
Recycling
Pickup frequency depends on your private subscription provider, or recyclables can be dropped off for free at Kent County DPW's North Kent Recycling & Waste Center.
Yard Waste
Seasonal collection is offered through private subscription haulers; residents can also use local drop-off facilities, compost at home, or obtain a seasonal burn permit through the Fire Department.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Township utility bills cover municipal water and sewer services; curbside trash and recycling are contracted and billed separately through your choice of private hauler.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, Drop Box, In Person
Varies by hauler (commonly Blue, Green, or Black) Bin (Trash)
All trash must be bagged and tied before being placed in the cart. Carts must be at the curb by 6:00 AM on your scheduled service day, keeping a 3-foot clearance from mailboxes and vehicles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household refuse
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Wrappers and film
Varies by hauler (commonly Blue or Green with a colored lid) Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be kept loose in the cart (never bagged), clean, and completely dry to prevent contaminating the batch at the Kent County processing facility.
Accepted Items
- ✓Corrugated cardboard
- ✓Paper and mail
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs (#1, #2, #5)
- ✓Glass jars and bottles
- ✓Metal cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam (EPS)
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, cords)
- ✕Batteries
- ✕Food-soiled paper
Yard Waste Bin
Typically requires a separate seasonal subscription. Must be placed in a dedicated yard waste cart provided by the hauler or in heavy-duty biodegradable kraft paper bags. No plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small twigs and branches
- ✓Garden prunings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Varies by contracted hauler
Placement
If scheduled with your hauler, place bulk items at the curb 3 feet away from your regular bins by 6:00 AM on your agreed-upon pickup day.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Box springs
- ✓ Non-freon appliances
- ✓ Large household junk
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Liquid paint
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Freon items (unless properly tagged)
- ✕ Large construction debris
Haulers generally charge a per-item fee for curbside bulk pickup. The North Kent Waste Center charges fees based on the total weight or load size.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Most private haulers operating in Plainfield Township follow the 'six major holidays' rule, shifting collection back by one day if the holiday falls on a weekday.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collections follow the same holiday delay schedule but are entirely suspended during the winter months (typically December through March).
Because you contract privately, always verify exact holiday schedules and operational changes directly with your chosen service provider.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to MarchHeavy lake-effect snow can cause temporary route delays. Ensure your carts are placed at the end of your driveway, completely cleared of snowdrifts, and not blocking township snowplows.
Spring
AprilYard waste collection subscriptions typically resume in early April. Remember that local burn ordinances prohibit burning yard debris in high-density residential zones, making proper curbside disposal essential.
Fall
October to NovemberDuring peak leaf-falling season, use biodegradable paper bags if your hauler requires them. Never rake leaves directly into the street, as this clogs Plainfield Charter Township storm drains.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Cans? Get Cash Back Right Here in the Grand Rapids Area!
Hey Plainfield neighbors! Did you know you can actually get a little cash back for certain cans and bottles? While Plainfield itself might not have a dedicated buyback center, the greater Grand Rapids area does. Keep an eye out for places that accept returnable bottles and cans under Michigan's deposit law. Often, local scrap yards in and around Grand Rapids might also be interested in certain metals if you're clearing out a lot. It's a great way to turn potential trash into a few extra bucks for your pocket!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Plainfield
Before you toss items that are still in good shape, think about giving them a second chance! For clothing, household goods, and furniture, the Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids is a fantastic local option. They have locations nearby that are always happy to accept donations. You might also want to check if a local church or community center in the Plainfield area is hosting a donation drive or has a specific program. It feels good to know your items are helping someone else out in our community.
Keeping Plainfield Clean: What to Do About Unwanted Dumping
We all want Plainfield Charter Township to look its best, right? If you ever spot someone dumping trash illegally, it's super important to report it. While there aren't specific recurring community clean-up events advertised on a regular basis for the township itself, keeping an eye out and reporting suspicious activity helps immensely. You can usually contact the township's public works department or the local non-emergency police line to let them know. They can provide guidance on how to handle the situation and prevent future incidents. Let's all pitch in to keep our neighborhoods tidy!
Drop-off Facilities
North Kent Recycling & Waste Center (Kent County DPW)
2908 Ten Mile Road, Rockford, MI 49341
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up trash service in Plainfield Charter Township?
Plainfield operates on an open-market system, meaning the township does not provide municipal solid waste collection. You must independently contact and hire a state-licensed waste hauler (such as WM, Arrowaste, or Republic Services) to set up curbside pickup for your home.
Where can I dispose of household hazardous waste like paint and batteries?
Hazardous materials cannot go in your curbside bins. Fortunately, Plainfield residents can drop them off safely at the North Kent Recycling & Waste Center on 10 Mile Road using Kent County's SafeChem program.
Can I drop off extra trash or bulk items if I don't want to pay my hauler?
Yes, residents can bring excess trash, old furniture, or DIY remodeling debris directly to the North Kent Recycling & Waste Center. Be aware that disposal fees, calculated by volume or weight, will apply upon entry.
What are the rules for recycling Styrofoam in Plainfield?
Styrofoam (EPS) is strictly prohibited in your curbside recycling carts regardless of which hauler you use. However, you can bring clean EPS foam packaging directly to the designated drop-off station at the North Kent facility for proper recycling.