A Guide to Grand Rapids’ Trash and Recycling Pickup Schedule

The city of Grand Rapids provides weekly trash and biweekly recycling pickup for residents. Understanding the pickup schedule and policies allows households to properly dispose of waste. This article will cover everything you need to know about Grand Rapids’ trash and recycling service, including:

• Trash and recycling pickup schedule
• Lookup tools to find your pickup days
• Holiday schedule changes
• Recycling policies
• Bulk and yard waste disposal
• Ways to pay your bill
• Reporting missed pickups

Weekly Trash, Biweekly Recycling Schedule

• Trash is collected weekly on the same day each week
• Recycling is collected every other week on an alternating A/B schedule
• Pickup starts at 7 AM on your scheduled day
• Placement rules require carts to be out by 7 AM but not earlier than 4 PM the prior evening

Looking Up Your Pickup Days

You can find your assigned pickup days through several options:

• Use the My Neighborhood lookup tool by entering your address
• Refer to the pickup route map to find your route number. Then use the printed calendars.
• Call 311 or 616-456-3000 for assistance
• Visit the Public Works office in Grand Rapids City Hall

The My Neighborhood tool and printed calendars list exact dates rather than day of the week. Be sure to check them regularly so you don’t miss a pickup.

Holiday Schedule Changes

Trash and recycling pickup is delayed by one day on these holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

Adjust your cart placement accordingly. Pickup returns to the normal schedule the week after a holiday.

Grand Rapids Recycling Policies

Follow these policies to recycle properly in Grand Rapids:

• All recycling must be loose in carts – no plastic bags
• Keep cart lids closed to avoid litter
• Rinse food residue off containers
• Flatten cardboard boxes
• No plastic bags, styrofoam, or food waste
• No hazardous waste or electronics
• Check the recycling guide for accepted materials

Extra recycling can be placed in paper bags beside carts on pickup days.

Bulk and Yard Waste Disposal

• Bulk items like furniture can be collected curbside by scheduling a pickup. Fees apply.
• Yard waste like leaves and branches can be dropped off at the yard waste site. Fees apply.
• Brush can also be bundled curbside on your regular pickup day.

Paying Your Trash Bill

Grand Rapids trash bills can be paid:

• Online through the bill pay portal
• By phone through the IVR system at 616-456-3111
• By mail to City of Grand Rapids, PO Box 109, Grand Rapids MI 49501
• In person at the City Treasurer’s Office in City Hall

Review your balance and payment history anytime through the online portal.

Reporting Missed Pickups

If your trash or recycling was not collected on your scheduled day:

• Report it through the Report a Problem tool
• Call 311 or 616-456-3000
• Email [email protected]

Provide your name, address, pickup date, and materials not collected. Your carts will then be collected within 1 business day.

Following Grand Rapids’ trash policies allows waste to be disposed of properly. Use the online tools or call the city to look up your pickup schedule. Consistent pickup days and holiday adjustments keep the system running smoothly.