Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Walker
Trash Day
Curbside trash pickup is not provided directly by the City of Walker. Residents contract privately with an authorized licensed waste hauler (such as Republic Services, Waste Management, or Arrowaste), with collection days determined by the chosen hauler.
Recycling
Curbside recycling service is arranged directly through your private waste hauler. Additionally, the city offers drop-off programs including annual leaf recycling and Christmas tree recycling.
Yard Waste
Yard waste collection is available via subscription through private waste haulers. The City of Walker DPW also hosts annual Spring Clean-Up Days in early May and fall leaf drop-off at City Hall.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and recycling services are billed directly by your private hauler. Municipal water and sewer services in Walker are administered and billed through the City of Grand Rapids Water Department.
Billing Cycle
Varies by private provider (Monthly or Quarterly)
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail
Varies by Hauler Bin (Trash)
Since Walker uses a subscription model, trash bin sizes, colors, and specific curbside placement times depend entirely on the private hauler you hire.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food wrappers
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food waste
Varies by Hauler Bin (Recycling)
Recycling rules align with Kent County's single-stream guidelines. Materials must be loose, empty, and clean. Contact your hauler to add a recycling cart to your service plan.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and paperboard
- ✓Metal cans and foil
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
- ✕Food-soiled paper
- ✕Batteries
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste is managed via city drop-off events (like fall leaf collection) or can be collected curbside for an additional fee through your private waste hauler. Plastic bags are never accepted.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small brush
- ✓Twigs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Annual City Event or By Hauler Request
Placement
For city Clean-Up Days, bring items to the DPW yard behind City Hall. For private curbside bulk pickup, place items at the curb only after confirming a date and payment with your hauler.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Scrap Metal
- ✓ Appliances (Freon removed)
- ✓ Untreated Lumber
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous Waste
- ✕ Medical Sharps
- ✕ Liquid Paints
- ✕ Household Chemicals
- ✕ Tires (Without specific fees)
Private haulers charge varying fees for curbside bulk pickup. The city's May event offers discounted disposal rates ranging from $5 to $20 depending on vehicle and trailer size.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Because Walker residents select private waste haulers, holiday schedules are determined by the individual company. The standard industry rule in Kent County is a one-day service delay if a major holiday falls on a weekday prior to your pickup day.
Yard Waste Exception
The DPW leaf drop-off location is closed on specific city-observed holidays, including Veterans Day.
Always check directly with your chosen provider (e.g., Waste Management, Arrowaste) or log into your customer portal to verify exact collection alterations.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
MayThe City of Walker hosts an annual Clean-Up event the first weekend of May at the DPW Yard (4243 Remembrance Rd NW). Proof of residency is required, and small vehicle-based disposal fees apply.
Fall
Mid-October to NovemberFree leaf recycling drop-off is open to all Walker residents. Biodegradable paper bags can be purchased directly from the DPW office if you choose not to drop your leaves loose.
Winter
Late December to Mid-JanuaryRecycle your real Christmas tree by bringing it to the designated drop-off zone at Walker City Hall. Ensure all ornaments, tinsel, wire, and lights are completely removed prior to drop-off.
Local Tips & Community Info
Private Waste Hauler Options in Walker
Unlike municipalities with a single contracted trash provider, the City of Walker operates on an open-market system. This means that residents are responsible for independently securing their own residential garbage collection services. You will need to contact a licensed private waste management company, such as Republic Services or Waste Management, to set up weekly trash pickup. Because you select the provider, the specific rules regarding bin size, collection day, and monthly fees will vary based on your chosen contract. Be sure to check with your neighborhood or homeowners association, as some communities negotiate group rates for all residents.
Setting Up Curbside Recycling
Recycling is highly encouraged to help minimize the amount of refuse sent to Kent County landfills. Since Walker does not manage a municipal recycling fleet, you must request a recycling bin directly from your hired trash hauler. Most local providers offer single-stream recycling carts ranging from 65 to 96 gallons. Acceptable items typically include flattened cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, metal cans, and clean paper products. Avoid tossing plastic grocery bags or styrofoam into your curbside cart, as these materials can jam up the automated sorting machinery at the processing plant.
Walker DPW Yard Waste Drop-Off
While general trash is handled privately, the City of Walker Public Works Department provides a highly valued seasonal yard waste drop-off site for its residents. Located at 4243 Remembrance Road NW, this facility gives locals a convenient place to dispose of organic yard debris without paying premium hauler fees. Acceptable materials include grass clippings, leaves, and small branches. You must present proof of Walker residency to utilize the drop-off site. Be aware that large stumps, treated lumber, and plastic bags are strictly prohibited at the facility to ensure the material can be properly composted.
Disposing of Oversized Bulk Items
Getting rid of old furniture, broken appliances, or large electronics requires a bit of coordination. Because you employ a private garbage service, you cannot simply leave a mattress on the curb and expect it to be taken away. You must call your specific service provider ahead of time to schedule a bulk item pickup, which may incur an additional fee depending on your service tier. For hazardous materials like wet paint, chemicals, or unpunctured aerosol cans, residents are encouraged to utilize the Kent County Department of Public Works safe disposal drop-off programs, rather than attempting to hide them in household trash.
Bin Placement and Neighborhood Etiquette
Even though collection schedules differ from street to street based on the company you hire, general neighborhood etiquette remains crucial. It is standard practice to roll your waste and recycling carts to the end of your driveway by 6:00 AM on the day of your scheduled pickup. Ensure that the bins are placed on a flat surface with the lid opening facing the street, and keep them at least three feet away from mailboxes, parked vehicles, and utility poles. To maintain a tidy neighborhood appearance, promptly return your emptied containers to your garage or side yard by the evening of your collection day.
Drop-off Facilities
South Kent Recycling & Waste Center
10300 South Kent Dr, Byron Center, MI 49315
Materials Accepted
Walker DPW Yard (Seasonal/Event Drop-off Only)
4243 Remembrance Rd NW, Walker, MI 49534
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of Walker provide municipal trash pickup?
No, the City of Walker does not supply municipal garbage collection. Residents are required to hire a private, licensed waste hauling company to manage their household refuse and recycling needs.
Where can I drop off my yard waste in Walker?
Walker residents can drop off their seasonal yard waste at the Department of Public Works facility, located at 4243 Remembrance Road NW. Proof of residency is required upon entry.
How do I dispose of a large couch or refrigerator?
To discard bulky furniture or heavy appliances, you must contact your private waste hauler directly to schedule a special pickup, as they do not automatically collect oversized items left at the curb.