Grand Rapids Dump Fees & Landfill Guide for Junk Removal Operators

The published $62.54/ton all-in rate is remarkably transparent compared to Detroit's completely opaque market. Rates effective January 1, 2026 per official Kent County DPW rate sheet.

• C&D at $53.64/ton saves $8.90/ton compared to MSW — always sort construction debris from household junk
• Scrap metal drop-off is FREE at South Kent Landfill — pull all metals from every load before weighing
• Contaminated soils/foundry sands at $37.30/ton (with prior approval) are the cheapest material category

C&D saves $8.90/ton versus MSW. On a 3-ton construction load, that is $26.70 saved by keeping C&D separated from household junk. This is the clearest financial incentive for load sorting in the Grand Rapids market.

Appliances with refrigerant: $20 each (residential). Mattresses: $20 each (residential). Commercial appliance and mattress loads charged at per-ton MSW rate. Tires: $4 each (up to 42 inch) / $6 each (42⁠–⁠50 inch) / cut tires at $71.54/ton (1-ton minimum). Trees and stumps: $77.54/ton — the most expensive material category.

Contaminated soils and foundry sands: $37.30/ton with prior county approval. Trees and stumps: $77.54/ton. Yard waste is prohibited in Michigan landfills under PA 451 — cannot be disposed at South Kent. Route yard waste to composting facilities.

Operated by Kent County Department of Public Works. The only active MSW landfill in Kent County with fully published rates (effective January 1, 2026). Saturday hours until 3:30 PM are generous compared to most Midwest landfills. Cash, check, or credit/debit card accepted (2.4% convenience fee for card). Scrap metal drop-off is completely FREE — always pull metals from your load before weighing. Yard waste (leaves, grass, shrubs, trees under MI PA 451) is prohibited — route to composting. Loose plastic film, Styrofoam, and fine particles must be properly contained. Asbestos requires proper manifest.

Materials accepted: MSW ($62.54/ton), C&D ($53.64/ton), Appliances w/Freon ($20 each residential), Mattresses/box springs ($20 each residential), Tires up to 42" ($4 each), Tires 42⁠–⁠50" ($6 each), Cut tires ($71.54/ton, 1-ton min), Trees/stumps ($77.54/ton), Contaminated soils/foundry sands ($37.30/ton, prior approval), Scrap metal (FREE), Electronics (accepted), Propane tanks (accepted), Mobile homes/campers/boats (fuel and appliances removed)

Documentation needed: No account required for walk-in — pay at scale house; Credit/debit card accepted with 2.4% convenience fee; Contaminated soils require prior approval from Kent County DPW

Surcharges: Kent County surcharge: $1.68/ton; Michigan state surcharge: $0.36/ton; Environmental fee: $0.50/ton; Credit card convenience fee: 2.4%; Commercial appliance/mattress loads: charged at per-ton MSW rate instead of per-item

County-operated transfer station serving the northern portion of the metro. Waste is transferred to South Kent Landfill for final disposal. Transfer station rates may include a premium over direct-haul landfill rates for the transfer service. Best for operators working Rockford, Cedar Springs, and northern Kent County routes where the drive to Byron Center would cost more time than the rate premium.