A public resource guide
Grand Rapids’ $40 bulk sticker system, pay-per-tip trash service (no flat monthly fee), mandatory mattress plastic-wrapping for curbside pickup, Michigan e-waste law, and Kent County HHW program.
Last updated: May 2026 · Maintained by Freemoval as a public resource
Grand Rapids, Michigan has a distinctive waste system unlike most U.S. cities. Regular trash uses a pay-per-tip model (you pay only when the cart is emptied, not a flat monthly fee), and bulk item pickup uses a $40 sticker system per item rather than scheduled free pickups. The city also has a strong illegal dumping requirement for mattresses: plastic wrapping is mandatory before curbside placement. This guide covers every disposal option for Grand Rapids residents, including the subsidy programs available for low-income households.
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Grand Rapids uses a paid sticker system for bulk items. Key rules:
· City Bulk Sticker: $40 per item — purchase at City Hall (300 Monroe Ave NW), select neighborhood stores, or online at grandrapidsmi.gov
· Online purchase: If you purchase online, NO physical sticker is needed at the curb
· Collection time: Generally within 3–5 business days of placement
· Volume limit: 2 cubic yards per item
· Mattresses and box springs: MUST be wrapped in plastic — mandatory, not optional. Unwrapped mattresses will not be collected.
· Appliances: Use Bulk Sticker or Appliance Sticker (same price, different label)
Subsidized bulk service: The city works with Home Repair Services to connect eligible low-income homeowners with subsidized trash and bulk service. Call Home Repair Services at (616) 241-2601 or visit homerepairservices.org to check eligibility.
Unlike most U.S. cities, Grand Rapids charges per collection rather than a flat monthly fee:
· 32-gallon cart: $3.63 per tip (suitable for 1–2 people)
· 64-gallon cart: $6.05 per tip (suitable for 3–4 people)
· 96-gallon cart: $8.47 per tip (suitable for 4+ people)
You must maintain a positive account balance or service may be interrupted. The cart is only charged when it’s tipped (emptied). If you skip a week, you don’t pay. This system incentivizes waste reduction and frequent recycling.
Blue City Bags: For overflow trash that doesn’t fit in the cart, purchase Blue City Bags at City Hall. Bags must be no larger than 30 gallons and weigh no more than 30 pounds.
Recycling is collected biweekly at no extra charge. Yard waste is collected seasonally, April through November. Use brown paper bags or rigid containers marked “Yard Waste.” Grass clippings, leaves, brush, and tree trimmings up to 4 feet in length are accepted.
Free compost and mulch: Grand Rapids offers one free cubic yard of compost or mulch per season to city residents, available on Saturdays April through June at the Public Works yard waste site.
Kent County Environmental Services operates free HHW disposal for Grand Rapids residents. Contact Kent County at 616-632-7920 or visit kent.gov for current collection event dates and the permanent drop-off facility location.
Michigan has a comprehensive e-waste law (the Michigan Solid Waste Management Act) covering TVs, computers, and monitors. Best Buy accepts electronics free. Electronics must not be placed in regular trash in Michigan.
· Salvation Army West Michigan — free pickup for usable furniture and large items. Schedule at satruck.org.
· Habitat for Humanity Kent County ReStore — accepts furniture, appliances, building materials. Free pickup for qualifying donations.
· Goodwill Industries of West Michigan — multiple Grand Rapids area locations.
· Degage Ministries and Mel Trotter Ministries — local organizations accepting furniture and household goods for clients transitioning out of homelessness.
LoadUp paid pickup
$80+For Grand Rapids households who need same-day or in-home pickup, need more capacity than free options provide, or want full-service crew-based hauling, LoadUp connects you with independent loaders in the Grand Rapids area for upfront-priced pickup.
If you can pay for a pickup, your booking helps fund free pickups for someone else. 100% of round-ups fund subsidized pickups at standard market rates.
Book a Grand Rapids pickup with LoadUp → Round-up option appears at checkout. Optional, opt-in only.
Other paid junk removal services
$70–$4001-800-Got-Junk and College Hunks Hauling Junk serve the Grand Rapids metro. Local independent operators typically offer competitive pricing 20%–30% below national chains. Get 2–3 quotes for larger jobs.
Call 311 or (616) 456-3000, or report online at grandrapidsmi.gov. For Michigan state environmental violations, contact EGLE (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy). Active dumping in progress: Grand Rapids Police non-emergency.
See our complete illegal dumping guide for Michigan state penalty information.
How does bulk item pickup work in Grand Rapids?
Purchase a $40 City Bulk Sticker at City Hall (300 Monroe Ave NW) or select stores, attach to each item at the curb, and items are collected within 3–5 business days. Online purchase at grandrapidsmi.gov doesn’t require a physical sticker. Limit of 2 cubic yards per item. Mattresses MUST be plastic-wrapped. Michigan e-waste law bans electronics from regular trash and bulk collection.
Are mattresses required to be wrapped in Grand Rapids?
Yes. Mattresses and box springs must be wrapped in plastic before curbside placement. This is mandatory, not optional, and unwrapped mattresses will not be collected. Plastic mattress bags are available at most hardware and home goods stores.
Is this page maintained?
Yes. Last updated May 2026. If you find outdated information, let us know.