Plastic Bag Rules: Grand Rapids vs Kentwood
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between Grand Rapids, MI and Kentwood, MI?
Grand Rapids has fewer restrictions than Kentwood.
Grand Rapids, MI
Kent County
Grand Rapids cannot enforce a plastic bag ban or fee. MCL 445.592 (Public Act 389 of 2016) preempts every Michigan local government from regulating auxiliary containers. The Grand Rapids Office of Sustainability promotes voluntary BYOB programs and the Kent County Department of Public Works drop-off recycling.
View full Grand Rapids rules →Kentwood, MI
Kent County
Michigan PA 389 of 2016 (MCL 445.572b) prohibits local governments from banning, taxing, or regulating plastic bags and other auxiliary containers.
View full Kentwood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Grand Rapids | Kentwood |
|---|---|---|
| Local Ordinance | None — Michigan preempts | - |
| Preemption Statute | MCL 445.592 (Public Act 389 of 2016) | - |
| Effective Date | March 28, 2017 | - |
| Curbside Status | Bags NOT accepted in Kent County carts | - |
| Drop-Off | Meijer, Walmart, D&W Fresh Market film bins | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Grand Rapids FAQ
Does Grand Rapids have a plastic bag ban?
No. Grand Rapids has no plastic bag ban or fee. MCL 445.592 (Public Act 389 of 2016) preempts every Michigan local government from regulating auxiliary containers.
Why doesn't Kent County have a bag fee?
Because state law forbids it. Public Act 389 of 2016 was passed specifically to void Washtenaw County's 10-cent bag fee, and the same statute applies in Kent County and every other Michigan jurisdiction.
Where can I recycle plastic bags in Grand Rapids?
At plastic-film drop-off bins at Meijer (the chain is headquartered nearby in Walker), Walmart, D&W Fresh Market, and SpartanNash stores. Kent County's single-stream curbside cart does NOT accept plastic bags — they jam the MRF equipment.
Kentwood FAQ
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