If your yard looks as busted as mine does after this winter, good news! The City of Grand Rapids is opening the yard waste drop-off site and and starting yard waste collection for the season Monday, April 5.

New this year too, the City is partnering with organics and composting vendor We Care Denali. So all our leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste will be put to good use! We Care Denali will turn it into a high quality compost that will be sold within the West Michigan area. Once finished compost is ready this summer, GR residents will be able to pick up to one cubic yard of material once per year on a first come basis.

The yard waste drop-off location at 2001 Butterworth SW has some new hours this year too that should be noted:

April 5 through Memorial Day, Monday, May 31

  • Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday – 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (NEW HOURS)

June 1 through mid-December

  • Monday – Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (NEW HOURS)

The drop-off site is free for Grand Rapids residents, so bring ID for proof of residence.

Yard wast collection is starting April 5th as well.

  • City yard waste tags are $2.50 each
  • City yard wastepaper bags are $12.50 for a package of five
  • Yard waste cart tags are $6 each
  • A yard waste cart is $27.50 to order. Each time you would like your cart emptied, attach a yellow Yard Waste Tag to the cart. Each tag is $6.00.

Cart tags and bags are available at City Hall and select supermarkets.

Curbside yard waste is collected on the same day as garbage. The City says that all yard waste needs to be placed by the curb by 7a.m. on collection day.

The City of GR shares the following reminders about yard waste collection:

  • Bulk yard waste materials need to be tagged and tied and weigh no more than 30 pounds.
  • Bundled yard waste cannot exceed 4 feet in length and 6 inches in diameter.
  • All yard waste other than bulk or bundled needs to be placed in a City yard cart or City yard waste paper bag and be visible for collection.
  • Raking or sweeping of leaves or any other material into the street or gutter is not permitted. Material swept into the street can clog catch basins and cause street flooding.

You can find additional information here or call 616-456-3000.

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