Issue of the Month: Waste Management in Kent County

Kent County’s Waste to Energy (WTE) Facility recently processed its 4 millionth ton of trash. This is a significant milestone for our community because the WTE Facility has reduced trash needing to be disposed of in the land fill, and also helps produce electricity for some parts of our community. It is estimated the WTE plant has extended the useful life of the South Kent Landfill by approximately 20 years since it was opened in the 1970’s. This primary solid waste disposal facility for Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker, Grandville, and East Grand Rapids trash received more than 190,000 tons of trash from residents and businesses in the past year. This trash is incinerated under strictly monitored environmental standards. The WTE Facility produces and sells approximately 100,000 MWhs of renewable electricity each year. The WTE was recently honored for its environmental ethic and stewardship by gaining a 2 year renewal of its designation as a Clean Corporate Citizen. This designation was given because the WTE facility exhibits excellence in (1) the development and implementation of an environmental management system, (2) practice of pollution prevention, and (3) a strong environmental compliance record. The County also has a good recycling program and citizens can find where/how to dispose of recyclables at www.recyclekent.org.