Kent County, Michigan, highlights hazardous waste disposal programs

In observance of Poison Prevention Week, the Kent County, Michigan, Department of Public Works (DPW) is highlighting its SafeChem program and Swap Shop, which offer residents a safe way to dispose of potentially dangerous materials. 

Poison Prevention Week takes place March 16-22. The DPW’s free SafeChem program and Swap Shop are offered year-round, and the department encourages Kent County residents to take advantage of these resources to protect their families and the environment. 

“The DPW offers numerous resources, including our SafeChem program and Swap Shop, to help residents dispose of hazardous waste and keep our community safe and healthy,” DPW Director Dar Baas says. “We encourage residents to use these resources instead of flushing hazardous waste, dumping it on the ground, spilling it into waterways or putting it in their trash or recycling bin. This helps ensure hazardous materials are safely disposed of and that less waste is placed in a landfill.” 

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Hazardous waste is classified as materials that are toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive and that can be dangerous to the health of people, pets and the environment if disposed of improperly. DPW offers a full list of acceptable materials on its website. Some common household items include motor oil, adhesives like caulk, fertilizer, pool chemicals and lighters.

DPW has five disposal sites located in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Rockford, Wyoming and Byron Center and has designated service days and hours for each location. No appointment is necessary, and the SafeChem program is free for all Kent County Residents.  

Once received, the materials are stored until a DPW contractor collects them. The materials are then recycled or disposed of in facilities specifically designed for hazardous waste. 

Unopened or gently used materials are also used to stock the DPW’s Swap Shop, where cleaners and supplies are available to the public for free. The Swap Shop inventory is always changing, DPW says, and typically includes automotive supplies like brake fluid; household cleaners; lawn and garden supplies; and personal care items.

“Our SafeChem Program is a great way for residents to get rid of unwanted products, and the Swap Shop allows items in better shape to be reused by the community, so they aren’t needlessly sent to a disposal facility,” says Jonathan Neracher, resource recovery specialist at DPW. “It’s a great community resource where people can contribute to keeping our air, land and water safe and where those who aren’t able to buy these items can pick them up and put them to use.”