Recycling FAQs

Prior to 2017, US recycling markets were willing to accommodate a higher degree of contamination. Following substantial market interruptions, directly attributable to China closing its doors on the world’s recycling streams, communities here and abroad have had to face significant hurdles in how to best manage and maintain their recycling programs.

Studies on our previous ‘yellow bag’ recycling program show Holland had a high recycling participation rater, but the yellow bags had a high failure rate due to the collection process creating a high contamination rate.

Based on the results of our study and in alignment with the proven best practices of other communities, Holland transitioned its residential recycling program to use carts to ensure the best results, both financially and sustainably, for our community.

Carts are delivered whenever new users start service.

Each recycling cart has a 96-gallon capacity and measures 23”w x 31.5”d x 46”h.

No, all recycling carts are 96 gallons and a limit of one per customer.

Only items placed inside the recycling cart will be picked up. If you have additional items, please save them for the next pick-up, or you can schedule an additional pick-up with Republic Services for a fee.

Yes, the recycling cart is the property of The City of Holland. If you move, the cart should remain at the address where it was initially distributed.

The carts may be stored on the side or behind your house. Storing the cart on or under a back porch is another option. Carts may not be stored curbside, on the sidewalk, or in front of your house.

The carts for this program were selected because of their maneuverability and because they are made of light-weight plastic and have wheels at the back to easily roll over all terrain. It is easiest to push the cart downhill and pull it uphill.

In alignment with Chapter 27 of the City of Holland Ordinances, every eligible resident is required to participate in recycling. This requirement has not changed since transitioning from the yellow bags program.

No. Do not bag your recycled items. Only paper bags are acceptable to recycle.

Each cart will come with a brochure of what is acceptable to recycle. Each cart will also have a QR code to easily reference what is and is not acceptable.

See the How to Recycle Page for more information on what is accepted.

Yes. One of the greatest issues with recycling is the possibility of contamination. Just one dirty item has the potential to contaminate an entire load of otherwise-viable recyclables. All items that residents place in their cart should be emptied of their contents, cleaned of all residue, and free of moisture. The cleaner the items are, the more likely the load of recyclables will not be contaminated.

We ask that residents make an effort to take care of their carts to the best of their ability. In the case that a resident’s cart is damaged due to neglect or abuse, the resident may be charged for a new cart. Each cart will be assigned to an address using an RFID chip. If a cart is found, it can be tracked and returned to the address it was assigned. Residents who report their cart stolen will receive a one-time replacement. After that, the resident may be charged for a replacement for lost or stolen carts.

If you believe your cart was stolen, please contact HBPW customer service at 616.355.1500 for a one-time replacement. After that, the resident may be charged for a replacement.