Kent County, Michigan, launches S.O.R.T. program

Michigan's Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) has launched a pilot program, called Separate Out Trash Recycling (S.O.R.T.), to help residents divert resources away from landfills by placing their recyclables into the right bin.  

According to a news release from the DPW, the program helps guide where recyclables should go using colored bins that separate recycling and trash. After a temporary pilot program in 2021 using the branded bins at the Rockford Outdoor Refreshment Area in Rockford, Michigan, DPW is installing permanent S.O.R.T. bins in all municipal buildings and parks.  

“The S.O.R.T. program has been a major success in Rockford, and we take great pride in helping divert [scrap] from landfills whenever and however we can,” says Thad Beard, city manager for Rockford. “The consistent and uniform access to the S.O.R.T. bins helps our residents think twice about where their [scrap] goes and provides education on recycling and [scrap] in our community. We look forward to the continued use of this program.”  

By using the S.O.R.T. bins, users are helping reduce landfilled scrap and bring Kent County closer to its goal of reducing landfill waste by 90 percent by 2030. The DPW is hoping to expand the use of S.O.R.T. bins to other communities using the blueprint of the Rockford pilot program.  

“This program is a great example of how the community and local government can work together to divert [scrap] from landfills,” says Katelyn Kikstra, waste reduction educator with the DPW. “We applaud Rockford for making this commitment to a more sustainable community and the Rockford Sustainability Committee for keeping the project moving. We look forward to partnering with other groups to continue the success of the S.O.R.T. program.”  

Those interested in using S.O.R.T. bins at their offices, businesses, schools, places of worship or upcoming social events can visit the DPW’s website to submit a request for materials to set up the bins. The DPW offers a sign maker tool and vinyl wraps to place on waste bins that let people know what should go in each bin. The DPW will provide input on options available in your community for organics, recycling and trash collection.