Household Waste Guide

Free Tours & Presentations

	Kent County Materials Recovery Facility Located in downtown Grand Rapids, the Materials Recovery Facility is an intermediate sorting facility designed to accept residential recyclable materials from curbside recycling and drop-off recycling centers. Materials are sorted according to type, then prepared for shipping to the next processor. Tours are approximately 1 hour in length and include a general discussion about recycling as well as a facility walking tour. Tours must have at least 10 people. Call 336-4371 to schedule a tour.
	South Kent Landfill The South Kent Landfill is the only landfill operating in Kent County. Tours include a stop at the scalehouse to weigh in, a trip to the top of the ash and municipal solid waste landfill areas to see the big machines in action (weather permitting) and a stop in the office will allow the group to see an aerial photo of the landfill showing active, closed, and future landfill cells. Transportation is available for groups of 14 or less while at the landfill. Larger groups must provide a bus for transportation around the landfill. Call 336-4371 to schedule a tour.
	Waste-to-Energy Facility Located near downtown Grand Rapids, the Waste-to-Energy facility can process 625 tons of trash per day. Trash is converted to steam through incineration, which is used to drive electric steam turbines. Steam can also be sent to the District Heating and Cooling Operation to supplement steam needs during the winter. The trash is reduced to ash which is then landfilled. As ash, the waste is reduced 90% by volume and 70% by weight. Participants must be 12 years or older. Call (616) 235-3210 for tour information.

Sorting It Out	Grades: PreK - 1st
Everyone generates trash, this is a fact we can’t change. However, where does the trash go when we throw it “away”? By sharing a recycling book with your students, our presenter will help your students understand that recycling can reduce how much trash goes into the landfill, identify 4 items in their homes that can be recycled, and learn how recycling is available in their community.
Packing A Waste-Free Lunch	Grades: 3rd and up
The term “green” is used frequently, but many people don’t know what it means or think that it takes a lot of effort to ‘be green’. In fact, being ‘green’ is really about choices. The choices each of us makes have an impact (positive or negative) on the environment. This presentation will help your students discover simple ways they choose to be “greener” in their lives – including the simple task of packing a lunch.
Watch Your Waste!	Grades: 2nd - 8th
This presentation will emphasize that much of what we throw in the trash is not necessarily trash – it can be reused, recycled, or composted and we can easily reduce the amount that does go in the trash. We will also discuss how reducing/reusing/recycling can save natural resources. Our presenter will guide your students as we sort through the “trash” we bring.
Services You Can Use	Adults
As a Kent County resident, there are many services available to you that you may not even know about. This adult presentation focuses on waste reduction/disposal options that may be available to you.
Group Presentations
Presentations are available for small or large groups upon request. Presentations are normally 45 minutes to 1 hour but can be shortened if needed.
Other Environmental Topics
Are you looking for a speaker for a different environmental topic? We may be able to provide some ideas for speakers – just contact us!