Grand Rapids, MI Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Recycling cart capacity
- At least 14 days
- Compare to refuse
- 7-day capacity for refuse
- Program name
- Single Stream Recycling Program
- Governing sections
- City Code § 2.4, § 2.1
Summary
Grand Rapids requires households enrolled in its Single Stream Recycling Program to keep a cart sized for at least 14 days of recyclable material, twice the 7-day standard set for regular refuse.
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
Sec. 2.4 of Chapter 25 sets recycling cart capacity above the standard refuse requirement: carts must hold at least 14 days of accumulated Recyclable Materials, compared with 7 days for ordinary Solid Waste. Recyclable Materials are defined in Sec. 2.1 as bottles, cans, newspapers, corrugated containers, metals, and plastics eligible for pickup under the City's Single Stream Recycling Program. Like refuse carts, recycling carts must be rigid, covered, and rodent-proof, and the City sets the collection schedule through its Solid Waste Regulations.
Violations & Fines
Recycling carts that are too small to hold two weeks of material, left uncovered, or set out improperly are a Sec. 2.4 violation and can result in a Code Compliance notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does my recycling cart need to be in Grand Rapids?
What can go in Grand Rapids curbside recycling?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grand Rapids
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