News Summary
Grand Rapids is exploring a proposal to become the sole provider of trash collection services, which may eliminate private haulers. City staff are assessing the impact of a single-hauler system and will present their findings to the City Commission for a potential vote. Public sentiment is mixed, with some residents voicing concerns about consumer choice and monopolization of services. A formal recommendation is expected in October, with implementation projected to take at least two years if approved.
Grand Rapids is considering a proposal that would make the city the sole provider of trash collection services, potentially eliminating the option for residents to utilize private trash companies. City staff are currently examining this single-hauler system and plan to present the findings to the Grand Rapids City Commission for a vote next month.
A public forum held on September 18 at GRPS University attracted approximately 40 residents, but only a handful mentioned that they used private trash haulers. Concerns were raised regarding a perceived “monopoly” of the city on the trash services. Community members voiced their desire for consumer choice, drawing comparisons to the opportunity to shop at different stores.
The city’s assessment of a single-hauler trash collection program began last year, following recommendations from two studies advocating for the consolidation of services. City officials argue that a single-hauler system would significantly reduce heavy truck traffic on city streets, thereby lowering the environmental impact associated with waste collection.
Currently, the city provides trash collection services to an estimated 80-90 percent of the residential market, serving around 52,500 homes, while approximately 6,500 residents rely on private providers. The city also collects recycling for roughly 56,000 customers and manages bulk item pickups, illegal dumping control, and dead animal cleanup services.
With a slight division in public sentiment, a recent survey of over 2,300 residents revealed mixed opinions on the proposed change. While some residents, like Michelle and Scott Haaksma, questioned the necessity for a new system given the satisfactory service they currently receive, their concerns were echoed by others attending the forum.
In October, the Grand Rapids City Commission is expected to receive a formal recommendation regarding the single-hauler trash collection proposal. If the plan is approved, implementation is anticipated to take a minimum of two years, during which private companies would have time to adjust to the changes.
The city would need to acquire four new trucks and around 12,000 new trash carts to initiate the program. The projected return on investment from the single-hauler system is estimated to be around three years. Presently, there are 13 licensed private trash haulers in Grand Rapids, with at least five offering curbside collection services.
The city operates under a “Pay As You Throw” trash collection framework, which was established in 2010 and charges residents based on their usage of the trash cart. Current refuse collection prices vary depending on cart size, with costs set at $3.63 for a 32-gallon cart, $6.05 for a 64-gallon cart, and $8.47 for a 96-gallon cart. Notably, existing customers’ rates will remain unchanged if the single-hauler program is adopted.
Resident Suzanne Burney, who switched to private trash hauler Arrowaste Inc. over a decade ago due to unsatisfactory service from the city’s provider, has reported a quarterly payment of $92 for her current services. If the city takes over, the same level of service would cost approximately $78 quarterly for a 64-gallon cart under the new system.
Public Works Director John Gorney acknowledged that no matter the outcome of the proposed program, the quality of the city’s trash services requires improvement to meet resident expectations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids Considers Single Hauler Trash Collection System
Grand Rapids Considers Transition to Single Hauler Trash Collection
Grand Rapids Considers Becoming Sole Trash Service Provider
Additional Resources
- MLive: Grand Rapids Trash Collection Proposal Draws Criticism from Residents
- Wikipedia: Trash Management
- Wood TV: Grand Rapids Seeks Input on Trash Plan
- Google Search: Trash Collection Grand Rapids
- Fox 17: Grand Rapids Considering Transition to Single Trash Hauler
- Google Scholar: Trash Collection Changes
- WZZM 13: Grand Rapids Trash Pickup Proposal Feedback
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Waste Management
- Lansing State Journal: Private Trash Haulers in Lansing
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
