Due to warmer temperatures expected later this week, the City this afternoon announced it would reopen its yard waste drop-off site a week earlier than scheduled. The yard waste drop-off site, 2001 Butterworth SW, will operate special hours – 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – starting Friday, March 22. It will be open the same hours Saturday, March 23 and March 25-March 30. The site will be open normal hours – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday – starting April 1.

The yard waste drop-off site is free to all city of Grand Rapids residents, who need to show a valid ID proving city residency. Leaves, brush and tree branches may be dropped off at the site. Commercial businesses such as landscaping and tree companies are not allowed access to the site.

The yard waste drop-off site cannot be used for the disposal of construction material, trash or any other non-yard waste items. The use of plastic bags for the disposal of leaves or any other yard waste is prohibited. Yard waste brought to the drop-off site in plastic bags is not accepted.

Residential curbside yard waste collection will begin Monday, April 1. To the extent they can fit materials in their trucks, Department of Public Works employees collecting yard waste will collect any brush and tree limbs remaining from the winter storms if placed at the curb.

For those wanting to participate in this season's regular yard waste curbside collection service, City yard waste tags are $2.50 each, City yard waste paper bags are $12.50 for a package of five and yard waste cart tags are $6 each. Curbside yard waste is collected on the same day as refuse collection. All yard waste needs to be placed at the refuse collection point by 7 a.m.

A few reminders about yard waste preparation: 

• Bulk yard waste materials need to be tagged and tied and weigh no more than 30 pounds.
• Bundled yard waste cannot exceed 4 feet in length.
• All yard waste other than bulk or bundled needs to be placed in a City yard cart or City yard waste paper bag and be visible for collection.
• Raking or sweeping of leaves or any other material into the street or gutter is not permitted. Material swept into the street can clog catch basins and cause street flooding.

For more information, call the Public Works Department at 616.456.3000 or CLICK HERE.