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.
MCL 445.592, enacted as Public Act 389 of 2016 effective March 28, 2017, prohibits any local unit of government from adopting or enforcing an ordinance that regulates, prohibits, restricts, or imposes a fee or tax on auxiliary containers. 'Auxiliary container' includes bags, cups, bottles, and similar packaging. The bill was passed specifically to void Washtenaw County's November 2016 bag fee, and applies statewide. Grand Rapids never adopted a bag ordinance. The city's Office of Sustainability and the Kent County Department of Public Works operate the Curbside Recycling program (Kent County's Recycling and Education Center on Wealthy Street SW does not accept plastic bags in single-stream), with separate plastic-film drop-offs at Meijer, Walmart, and D&W Fresh Market. Grand Rapids's GR Forward 2030 master plan targets zero waste through voluntary education and the Kent County Sustainable Business Forum partnership — all within MCL 445.592 limits.
Grand Rapids cannot fine retailers or shoppers for plastic-bag use. Bag-related litter is enforceable through Grand Rapids Code of Ordinances Chapter 152 (Solid Waste) and MCL 324.8905 (state littering offense). Putting plastic bags in the curbside cart is a contamination issue addressed through Kent County DPW education materials.
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