Grand Rapids, MI Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Out by
- 7:00 a.m. on collection day
- Not before
- 7:00 p.m. prior evening
- Placement
- parkway near the curb
- Governs
- City and private haulers alike
Summary
Grand Rapids requires solid waste carts at the curb before 7 a.m. on collection day, and bars setting them out before 7 p.m. the night before.
All Solid Waste intended for City collection shall be contained in one (1) or more City refuse bags or City refuse carts and shall be placed in the parkway near the curb adjacent to the property, unless otherwise specifically permitted at an alternate location by the Regulations. Such carts shall be placed at that location prior to 7:00 a.m. on the day scheduled for collection from that property. In no event shall any Solid Waste be placed at the curb for collection before 7:00 p.m. of the day preceding the scheduled collection day, whether collected by the City or by a private Waste Hauler.
(Ord. No. 2012-47, § 1, 8-28-12, eff. 9-4-12)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 70).
Full Breakdown
The city's Solid Waste Management ordinance sets the collection-day window for curbside service: carts or City refuse bags go in the parkway near the curb, out by 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled collection day, and never before 7:00 p.m. the preceding evening. The rule applies whether the hauler is the city or a licensed private waste hauler. The Manager may permit an alternate placement location under the separately promulgated Solid Waste Regulations, but the timing window itself is set in the ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 25 violations can lead to suspension or termination of collection service under Section 2.3, and, absent a more specific penalty, the citywide general penalty of up to a $500 fine and/or 90 days imprisonment under Section 1.13 applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grand Rapids
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Collection Schedule in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kent County handle collection schedule.