Hazardous Waste Disposal in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hazardous waste includes any waste or product that can harm people, pets, or the environment now or in the future. In Grand Rapids, proper hazardous waste disposal is especially important to protect the Grand River, our local neighborhoods, and the broader West Michigan environment.

There are several safe options in and around Grand Rapids to help you dispose of household hazardous waste, reduce pollution, and keep your home and family safe.

What Is Household Hazardous Waste?

Many everyday products used in Grand Rapids homes contain chemicals that are:

  • Toxic
  • Flammable
  • Corrosive
  • Reactive (can explode or release harmful fumes)

Common examples of household hazardous waste in Grand Rapids include:

  • Thermometers, barometers, and thermostats (especially older mercury-containing models)
  • Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
  • Household batteries and car batteries
  • Solvent-based paints and paint thinners
  • Pesticides and lawn/garden chemicals
  • Cleaning and polishing chemicals
  • Swimming pool and hot tub chemicals (common in Michigan summers)
  • Motor oil, gasoline, kerosene, and other automotive fluids
  • Old or unused medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
  • Obsolete computer equipment and electronics
  • Mobile phones and accessories
  • Nail polish and remover, aerosols, and some personal care products

Because Grand Rapids experiences cold winters, many residents store chemicals in garages and basements. These spaces can be poorly ventilated and subject to temperature extremes, which makes safe storage and disposal even more critical.

Why You Shouldn’t Put Hazardous Waste in Regular Trash

You should never:

  • Put hazardous waste in your regular garbage or recycling bin
  • Pour it down the sink, toilet, storm drain, or into gutters
  • Dump it in your yard or bury it in the ground

If hazardous waste is not disposed of correctly in Grand Rapids, this can happen:

  • Soil and water contamination

    • Chemicals can leach into the ground and reach the Grand River, local wells, and groundwater.
    • Contaminated soil and water can affect plants, wildlife, pets, and potentially drinking water sources.

  • Damage to plumbing and stormwater systems

    • Corrosive chemicals can damage pipes and clog storm drains.
    • This can cause backups and make treatment more difficult at local water treatment facilities.

  • Risk to sanitation and recycling workers

    • Explosive, flammable, or toxic materials in trash trucks or at landfills can cause fires, injuries, or chemical exposure.

  • Harm to wildlife and the Great Lakes ecosystem

    • Plastic bags, oils, and chemicals that reach rivers and streams can harm fish, birds, and other wildlife and eventually contribute to Great Lakes pollution.

Illegal dumping or misuse of hazardous waste is a serious offense and can result in significant fines under Michigan law.

Safe Handling and Storage at Home

While you are waiting to take hazardous materials to a proper collection point in the Grand Rapids area, follow these safety tips:

Use the Right Containers

  • Keep products in their original containers whenever possible.
  • If a container is leaking, transfer the material to a new, clearly labeled container.
  • Never use food or drink containers (like pop bottles, milk jugs, or food jars) for chemicals.
  • Do not mix different chemicals together when transferring to a new container.

Keep Labels Intact

  • Make sure all original labels, warning labels, and manufacturer’s instructions stay on the packaging.
  • If you must repackage, clearly write the product name and hazard (e.g., “Paint thinner – flammable”).

Store Safely

  • Store containers upright with lids tightly closed.
  • Keep hazardous materials out of reach of children and pets.
  • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from furnaces, water heaters, or anything that can spark.
  • Keep matches, lighters, and other ignition sources far from flammable products.
  • Avoid storing chemicals where they can freeze or overheat, such as uninsulated sheds or garages during extreme Michigan winter or summer temperatures.

Buy Only What You Need

  • Purchase the smallest amount of hazardous product needed for the job.
  • This reduces storage risks and the amount you’ll eventually need to dispose of.

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal in Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids and Kent County offer several hazardous waste disposal programs to help residents safely recycle or dispose of dangerous materials.

Kent County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program

The Kent County Department of Public Works operates household hazardous waste collection sites and events serving Grand Rapids and surrounding communities.

Typical items accepted include:

  • Solvent-based paints, stains, and varnishes
  • Pesticides, herbicides, and other garden chemicals
  • Household cleaners, polishes, and ammonia-based products
  • Automotive fluids: motor oil, gasoline, brake fluid, transmission fluid, antifreeze
  • Pool and spa chemicals
  • Fluorescent tubes and CFLs
  • Household and car batteries
  • Propane and gas cylinders (BBQ, camping, patio heaters)
  • Aerosol cans (insect spray, cleaners, etc.)
  • Solvents, glues, paint strippers
  • Old car waxes and related products

Important:

  • These programs are for residential household waste only, not for farm, commercial, or industrial chemicals.
  • Containers larger than about 20 liters (or 20 kilograms) and industrial-scale chemicals are usually not accepted.

For current locations, hours, and accepted items, visit:

  • Kent County Department of Public Works (search: “Kent County MI household hazardous waste”)
  • Grand Rapids Public Works / Grand Rapids Public Health websites

Electronics and Computer Recycling in Grand Rapids

Electronics contain valuable materials that can be recycled, but they also contain hazardous components such as lead, mercury, and other heavy metals.

Common e-waste items include:

  • Computer monitors and laptops
  • Keyboards, mice, and peripheral devices
  • Printers, CD/DVD drives, and external drives
  • TVs and small electronics

Options in the Grand Rapids area:

  • Many electronics retailers and office supply stores have e-waste recycling programs.
  • Some manufacturers offer mail-back or take-back programs for old equipment.
  • Kent County recycling and transfer stations often accept certain electronics for recycling.

Search for:
“electronics recycling Grand Rapids MI” or check the Kent County DPW website for up-to-date drop-off locations and any applicable fees.

Mobile Phone and Battery Recycling

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones and accessories may contain heavy metals and other hazardous materials. Many parts can be reused or recycled.

In Grand Rapids, you can:

  • Return old mobile phones at participating wireless carrier stores and electronics retailers.
  • Look for in-store collection bins labeled for cell phone recycling.
  • Use manufacturer or carrier mail-in programs for phones and accessories.

Search for: “cell phone recycling Grand Rapids MI” for nearby options.

Batteries

Batteries should not be thrown in the trash because they may contain lead, mercury, cadmium, and other harmful substances.

Common battery types:

  • Single-use alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, etc.)
  • Rechargeable batteries (NiMH, Li-ion)
  • Car batteries and other lead-acid batteries
  • Phone and laptop batteries

In Grand Rapids:

  • Car batteries can usually be returned to auto parts stores or recycling centers.
  • Many hardware and electronics stores accept rechargeable batteries for recycling.
  • Kent County HHW sites accept many battery types from households.

Search for: “battery recycling Grand Rapids MI” or use national directories (Call2Recycle, etc.) to find local drop-off sites.

Motor Oil and Automotive Fluids

Used motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and antifreeze are common in Michigan households, especially with many residents doing their own vehicle maintenance.

You should:

  • Store used oil in a clean, sealed container (never in a food or beverage container).
  • Keep it away from heat and out of reach of children.
  • Never pour oil or automotive fluids down the drain, on the ground, or into storm drains.

In the Grand Rapids area:

  • Many auto parts stores, oil change shops, and service stations accept used motor oil for recycling.
  • Kent County household hazardous waste sites accept used oil and other automotive fluids from residents.

Search for: “used motor oil recycling Grand Rapids MI” for nearby locations and any limits per visit.

Gas Cylinders and Propane Tanks

Gas cylinders used for:

  • BBQ grills
  • Patio heaters
  • Camping stoves
  • RVs and caravans

are considered hazardous if not handled properly.

Disposal and exchange options in Grand Rapids:

  • Most propane retailers and gas stations offer a tank swap program where you exchange an empty cylinder for a full one.
  • Some household hazardous waste facilities accept small cylinders for safe disposal.

Never put gas cylinders in curbside trash or recycling. They can explode or cause fires.

Fluorescent Tubes and CFLs

Fluorescent lights and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain mercury, which is hazardous to health and the environment.

To dispose of them safely in Grand Rapids:

  • Take them to Kent County HHW sites or designated recycling centers.
  • Some hardware and home improvement stores accept CFLs and fluorescent tubes for recycling.

Do not break these bulbs. If one breaks, ventilate the area, avoid direct contact with the powder, and clean up carefully following EPA guidelines.

Plastic Shopping Bags and Soft Plastics

Plastic bags and soft plastics:

  • Create unsightly litter
  • Can clog storm drains
  • Pose a serious threat to wildlife if they reach the Grand River or other waterways

In Grand Rapids:

  • Many grocery stores and large retailers have collection bins for plastic bag recycling.
  • Reuse bags when possible, or switch to reusable cloth bags to reduce waste.

Do not place plastic bags in your curbside recycling cart unless your local program explicitly allows it. Most curbside programs in Michigan do not accept loose plastic bags.

Safe Disposal of Unused Medications in Grand Rapids

Unused or expired medications should never be:

  • Flushed down the toilet
  • Poured down the sink
  • Thrown loosely into the trash

In Grand Rapids:

  • Many pharmacies, including those connected with major health systems like Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, offer medication take-back or drop-box programs.
  • Law enforcement agencies and some clinics host drug take-back events, often coordinated with the Kent County Health Department.

To stay safe:

  • Keep unused medications out of reach of children and pets until you can dispose of them.
  • Remove or black out personal information on prescription labels before dropping them off.

Search for: “medication disposal Grand Rapids MI” or check with your local pharmacy or health system.

Industrial, Farm, and Commercial Hazardous Waste

The programs described above are primarily for household hazardous waste. If you are a business, farm, or industrial facility in the Grand Rapids area:

  • You must follow state and federal hazardous waste regulations.
  • Work with a licensed hazardous waste contractor for collection, transport, and disposal.
  • Consult the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Kent County Health Department for guidance.

Search for: “industrial hazardous waste disposal Grand Rapids MI” or visit the EGLE website for certified providers.

Local Resources for Hazardous Waste in Grand Rapids

For the most up-to-date information on hazardous waste disposal in Grand Rapids, MI, contact:

  • Kent County Department of Public Works
    • Information on household hazardous waste sites and accepted materials
  • Kent County Health Department
    • Public health guidance related to environmental exposures
  • City of Grand Rapids Public Works / Grand Rapids Public Health
    • Local recycling, yard waste, and hazardous waste details
  • Major health systems (for medication take-back and community health information):
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health

Use search terms like:

  • “household hazardous waste Grand Rapids MI”
  • “Kent County hazardous waste drop-off”
  • “paint and chemical disposal Grand Rapids”

to find current locations, hours, and any fees.

Key Points to Remember

  • Do not put hazardous waste in regular trash, down the drain, or in storm drains.
  • Keep all labels and warnings on original containers whenever possible.
  • Store hazardous products upright, sealed, and out of reach of children, in a cool, dry place.
  • Use local Grand Rapids and Kent County programs to recycle or safely dispose of:
    • Paints and solvents
    • Pesticides and garden chemicals
    • Batteries and electronics
    • Motor oil and automotive fluids
    • Gas cylinders
    • Fluorescent tubes and CFLs
    • Unused medications
  • Proper hazardous waste disposal helps protect:
    • Your family’s health
    • Grand Rapids neighborhoods
    • The Grand River and the Great Lakes environment

By using the hazardous waste disposal resources available in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you help keep our community safer, cleaner, and healthier all year round.