Kent County Department of Public Works

Kent County DPW, operates as an enterprise fund within Kent County government, showcasing a unique model for operating as an independent business unit. They play a crucial role in managing waste while promoting recycling and sustainable waste disposal within the county. Their partnership with the Recycle, MI campaign demonstrates their commitment to making a positive impact on their community and the environment.

Kent County DPW manages various waste management facilities and services, including:

• Landfill Operation: The department operates the only active landfill within Kent County, ensuring responsible waste disposal.
• North Kent Transfer Station: This facility serves as both a recycling drop-off center and a transfer station for municipal solid waste and construction and demolition material, making it convenient for commercial haulers and residents to dispose of their waste properly in northern Kent County.
• Waste to Energy Facility: Kent County DPW operates a waste-to-energy facility that contributes to waste diversion by converting waste into energy.
• Recycling and Education Center: The Recycling and Education Center is a single stream recycling facility, serving Kent County and surrounding counties, and designed to engage the public and educate them about the recycling process.
•  Household Hazardous Waste: The department offers safe disposal options for hazardous household waste, withSafeChem drop-off locations throughout the county and a unique Swap Shop where residents can reclaim unused materials such as cleaners, motor oil and paint

One of Kent County DPW's most important objectives is waste diversion. By actively working to reduce reliance on landfills, the department has achieved an estimated 25-28% diversion rate for municipal solid waste. This focus aligns with the department of public work’s broader goal of developing an integrated waste management system that solves today’s waste problems instead of making them a problem for future generations.

Their Recycling and Education Center, designed to be accessible to the public, is at the heart of their effort to engage residents in reducing and recycling. They offer open hours to visitors, conduct school tours, and collaborate with colleges, universities, sustainability groups, and businesses to raise awareness about how to reduce waste, reuse materials and show what happens to recyclables after they are placed in the cart. The DPW has two Waste Reduction Educators and several Resource Recovery Specialists that work with residents and businesses on how to properly dispose of materials and recycle. They also keep an updated website with a comprehensive disposal guide so people know what can go in their cart and what needs to be recycled or disposed of at another facility.

While Kent County DPW has made significant strides, they acknowledge the need for growth and improvement. They aim to increase the capture rate of recyclable materials, as they currently recycle only about 25% of Kent County material of what could be processed at their facility. Addressing this challenge involves finding solutions for multi-family households and small businesses that lack access to single-stream recycling.

Kent County DPW recognizes the importance of state-level support for waste management initiatives. They emphasize the need for materials management planning processes and state legislation that ensures recycling accessibility and enforcement. They also highlight the importance of state funding and grants to support diversion strategies and projects, acknowledging that landfill surcharges may need to increase to promote more sustainable waste management practices.

Kent County Department of Public Works is actively investing in the future with initiatives like the Sustainable Business Park. These efforts aim to expand mixed waste processing and energy generation capacity while reducing the need for new landfills. Investments in technology, such as AI-powered robots and optical sorters, have improved the efficiency and quality of their recycling operations.

In conclusion, Kent County DPW's commitment to sustainable waste management, recycling, and education makes them a valuable partner in the Recycle, MI campaign. By working together with organizations like Kent County DPW, we can create a more sustainable future for Michigan and beyond.