Grand Rapids Community College Hosts Garbage Tour

News Summary

The Grand Rapids Community College recently organized a Garbage Tour to educate participants about local waste management practices. The event was part of the Campus Race to Zero Waste Competition. Attendees learned about waste processing and environmental impacts at various sites in Kent County, including a Waste to Energy Facility and South Kent Landfill. The initiative aimed to foster awareness and promote sustainable waste management strategies, highlighting the importance of community involvement in addressing waste disposal challenges.

Grand Rapids – On May 21, the Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) hosted a Garbage Tour to educate staff and students about local waste management practices and the substantial amounts of trash processed annually in Kent County. The event was part of the college’s involvement in the Campus Race to Zero Waste Competition, aiming to align educational efforts with sustainable waste management goals.

The tour attracted significant attention and participation, resulting in positive feedback that indicated a strong interest in organizing future events focused on waste management and sustainability. According to Arika Davis, the Engagement and Onboarding Coordinator, the purpose of the event was to raise awareness about the pressing issues surrounding waste disposal and management.

The tour made three notable stops at various waste management sites in Kent County, where participants learned about the environmental impacts and technological advancements in waste processing. The first stop was the Waste to Energy Facility, which handles daily waste collection from several cities, including Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Rockford, and Walker. This facility processes approximately 1,000 tons of waste daily, of which about 550 tons are incinerated at a temperature of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Burning trash at the facility produces between 550 to 700 kilowatt hours of electricity per ton and reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills by up to 90%. Notably, the facility has successfully managed its waste output, transferring ash to the South Kent Landfill, which has only utilized 18 acres of land over 35 years, compared to the 210 acres filled by unburned trash since the landfill’s opening in 1982. To maintain air quality standards, the facility employs advanced air pollution control technologies, such as lime scrubbers.

The second leg of the tour brought participants to the South Kent Landfill, where measures to prevent groundwater contamination were highlighted. The landfill uses various materials, including layers of clay and plastic, to prevent leaching of toxic substances into the surrounding environment. Methane collection wells have been installed to capture gas produced by decomposing waste and convert it into carbon dioxide, a significantly less harmful greenhouse gas.

With predictions that the South Kent Landfill will reach capacity within the next five years, it is vital to ensure ongoing maintenance complies with environmental regulations even post-closure. At the same site, experts discussed the potential for recycling in Kent County, emphasizing that an estimated 75% of trash could potentially be recycled.

However, a previous plan to establish a Sustainable Business Park for recyclables processing faced setbacks when its main processing company declared bankruptcy. In light of this, Kent County is expected to explore smaller-scale recycling solutions to adapt to changing conditions and improve waste reduction strategies.

The Kent County Recycling Center employs a single stream recycling system, allowing the county to sort collected materials, streamlining the recycling process for residents. In Michigan, more than 60 landfills operate, but current disposal trends suggest only 21 years of remaining space for waste. In 2022, approximately 24 million tons of trash were disposed of in the state, highlighting the urgent need for improved waste management and community involvement.

The community is encouraged to take active responsibility for waste management practices, promoting sustainability efforts for the benefit of future generations and the environment. With educational initiatives such as the GRCC Garbage Tour, the aim is to inspire greater awareness and action regarding waste management in Kent County and beyond.

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Additional Resources

• The Collegiate Live: Grand Rapids Waste Facilities Tour
• Google Search: waste management
• Fox17: Kent County Opens Styrofoam Recycling Drop-off Station
• Encyclopedia Britannica: waste recycling
• WZZM13: Tour the Kent County Recycling Center
• Google News: Kent County Waste
• MLive: Spring Cleaning Recycling Guidelines in Kent County