Grand Rapids, MI Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Max cart size
- 100 gallons
- Cart material
- rigid metal or plastic, rodent-proof
- Storage spot
- rear or side of building
- Recycling storage capacity
- at least 14 days
Summary
Grand Rapids requires residential premises to keep one or more rigid, rodent-proof refuse carts of no more than 100 gallons, stored out of view between collections.
The owner or occupant of any residential unit within the City in which any Solid Waste shall be accumulated, shall maintain on said Premises one (1) or more refuse carts, each having a capacity of not more than one hundred (100) gallons. The number of carts kept on each Premises shall be sufficient to conveniently store the normal accumulation of Solid Waste on said Premises over a period of not less than seven (7) days; and for Recyclable Materials, not less than 14 days. Such carts shall be constructed of rigid metal or plastic with tightly fitting covers which are rodent-proof. Rigid refuse carts must be kept tightly covered except when opened for deposit or removal of Solid Waste. All Solid Waste being stored on any Premises between collections must be stored in a rigid container with a tightly fitting cover.(2)Rigid carts for storage of Solid Waste shall be placed at the rear or side of buildings at a place which is reasonably inconspicuous and away from streets and places occupied by other persons. (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
Under the Solid Waste Management ordinance, every residential unit generating solid waste must keep on-site at least one rigid metal or plastic refuse cart with a tightly fitting, rodent-proof cover, sized at 100 gallons or less, and sized to hold seven days of trash (14 days for recyclables). Between collections, carts must sit at the rear or side of the building, in a reasonably inconspicuous spot away from streets and areas used by other people, not left curbside or in view year-round.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain compliant carts can lead to suspension of collection service under Section 2.3, and Chapter 25 violations otherwise carry the citywide penalty of up to a $500 fine and/or 90 days imprisonment under Section 1.13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I have to store my trash cart between pickups?
How big can my trash cart be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grand Rapids
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Pickup Rules & Schedules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kent County handle pickup rules & schedules.