What Not to Put in Your Dumpster: Safety Tips for Grand Rapids and Kent County

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Some items don’t just break the rules—they can create serious safety hazards. In Kent County, improper items (especially batteries) have sparked real fires at the Recycling & Education Center. This guide explains what cannot go into your Neighborly Hauling dumpster and where to take those items instead.

🚫 Batteries: The #1 Fire Risk

Never put loose, rechargeable, or lithium-ion batteries in your dumpster or curbside recycling—even when they’re “dead.” They can still short and ignite. Kent County DPW recently shared an urgent PSA after a lithium battery caused a fire at the Recycling & Education Center. Thanks to quick action by staff, it was contained, but it could have been much worse.

Where to take batteries: Kent County’s SafeChem drop-off locations. If you’re unsure what kind of battery you have, DPW can help via recycle@kentcountymi.gov or (616) 632-7920.

🚫 Hazardous & Flammable Materials

These are unsafe for landfills/transfer stations and must not go in your dumpster:

Gasoline, propane tanks, fuel cans
Wet paints, solvents, oils, chemicals
Explosives, ammunition, and fireworks (see DPW tip below)

Tip: DPW recommends soaking spent fireworks in water before disposal. Unused/dud fireworks should go to SafeChem locations.

⚠️ Electronics & Appliances

Many electronics and appliances contain hazardous components and require special handling. This includes:

TVs (including CRT)
Computer monitors
Refrigerators & freezers
Microwaves

At Neighborly Hauling, because we use the Kent County Transfer Station, we can haul these items—but it’s critical that you tell us ahead of time. That way, we know the load must go through the transfer station for proper sorting and disposal.

That’s one of the benefits of working with Kent County’s facilities: they ensure these materials are handled the right way, protecting our community and keeping harmful components out of the landfill.

⚠️ Tires & Mattresses

These are accepted at Kent County facilities, but they often include additional fees. Let us know in advance so we can advise the simplest, lowest-cost option.

🚫 Yard Waste (Mixed Loads)

Leaves, grass, and brush cannot be mixed into regular trash dumpsters per county rules. Ask us about yard-specific solutions or use seasonal county yard-waste drop-off options.

Before You Load: Check Our Unaccepted Items

For the most accurate, up-to-date guidance, review the Unaccepted Items list on our website (front page). When in doubt, just ask—we’ll guide you to the right solution and help you avoid any extra fees.

(Also see: How to Avoid Extra Fees.)

The Neighborly Difference:

Driveway Protection: Every bin sits on Rolliskate HDPE pads to protect your property.
SMS Updates: Get a delivery window the day before and real-time ETAs during drop-off and pickup. You can even text us back if there’s an issue.
Responsible Disposal: We haul to Kent County transfer & waste-to-energy facilities to support landfill reduction.
No Surprises: Tell us about batteries, electronics, tires, or mattresses before you load—we’ll help you avoid extra charges.
Built for Tight Spaces. Ready for Heavy Loads. The right dumpster for the right job.

Wrap-Up

Keeping prohibited items out of your dumpster protects your property, our crews, and the entire community. Follow the rules above and use Kent County’s SafeChem resources for anything hazardous. If you’re ever unsure—ask us first!