SPRING/SUMMER 2021
NEW!
VIEW FROM THE CURB THE CITY OF KALAMAZOO’S GUIDE TO WASTE, RECYCLING & PUBLIC SERVICES
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam recycling is available in Kalamazoo! See page 7
PUBLIC SERVICES NEWS, 2 News from the City of Kalamazoo’s Public Services Department.
SEASONAL PROGRAMS, 4 Spring clean-up, hydrant flushing, brush collection, and other seasonal information.
RECYCLING, 6 The City of Kalamazoo offers a curbside recycling program to all residents. Learn how you can start recycling today.
HAZARDOUS ITEMS, 8 Learn how to properly dispose of hazardous items and unneeded medication for free.
BULK TRASH COLLECTION, 9 Residents can take advantage of bulk trash collection in March, June, September, and December. Find complete details inside.
CODE ENFORCEMENT, 10 Help keep our city and neighborhoods clean and inviting for everyone.
STORMWATER PROTECTION, 11 Actions you take can help protect our groundwater, rivers, lakes, and streams.
Is there anything we can help with? Call 311 or (269) 337-8000 for help with city services
PUBLIC SERVICES NEWS Great things are happening all over the City of Kalamazoo. Here are a few highlights, and stay connected by following @kalamazoocity on social media or visiting kalamazoocity.org.
Free Program Helps Reduce Utility Costs and Improves Home Energy Efficiency Kalamazoo water and sewer customers can benefit from a free program to help reduce their bills and make their homes more energy efficient. The City of Kalamazoo is partnering with Consumers Energy and encouraging City utility customers to take advantage of their free Home Energy Analysis Program. Customers can request a free home energy assessment, during which a trained analyst will identify ways to make your home more efficient. You may receive up to $50 of water and energy saving products for free. This may include things like LED light
bulbs, efficient shower heads, or even programmable thermostats for qualifying customers. By making your home more efficient, you could save up to $150 per year. Customers that wish to schedule a Home Energy Analysis can contact Consumers Energy directly by calling (888) 316-8014 or online at consumershomeenergy.com and selecting promo code Kzoo21.
Lead Water Service Replacements Continue with a 2,000-Replacement Project Planned for 2022 In 2020, the City of Kalamazoo replaced 589 lead water services in our system, the most ever in a single year. This number will continue to rise as the City completes a replacement project in the Eastside and Eastwood (Kalamazoo Township) neighborhoods this year, and
A grant from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation will fund major updates to Mountain Home and Jewish Mountain Home Cemeteries (Photo: Scott Harmsen).
plans a 2,000-service project that could start as early as this December. The $20-million project will cover the area north of Kalamazoo Avenue to the Township line between Nichols Rd and the Kalamazoo River. It is expected to be completed in 2023. In addition to these large planned projects, the City of Kalamazoo continues to offer free testing for lead and replaces services as needed based on the results. Kalamazoo’s groundwater-based water system does not have lead present at its source or in water mains. However, lead can enter water when in contact with a lead service line, pipes, solder, or fixtures in a building’s interior plumbing. Free NSF certified filters are available at no charge to customers who have undefined or lead services. More information about the City of Kalamazoo’s commitment to protecting our community from lead is at kalamazoocity.org/lead.
Grant Funding Awarded for Traffic Safety, Cemetery Improvements More than $1.3 million in grant funding has been awarded to the City of Kalamazoo to improve traffic safety and make repairs at Mountain Home and Jewish Mountain Home Cemeteries. The Michigan Department of Transportation has awarded $630,980 to improve safety at more than 30 intersections in 2022. Three separate projects
2
were approved for up to 90% federal funding through the Highway Safety Improvement Program. Funds will be used to add audible pedestrian speakers at 32 intersections, install traffic signal backplates at 28 intersections, and complete and implement a signal optimization study to improve traffic at the intersections of Michigan Ave at Mills and Riverview Dr at E Michigan. A $687,820 grant from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation will fund major updates to Mountain Home Cemetery and Jewish Mountain Home Cemetery this year. Work will include repairs to the roadway, retaining walls, stairways, and catch basins, as well as forestry work and repairs to buildings on the property.
Natural Features Protection District Update The Natural Features Protection Review Board is currently reviewing the overlay district map to determine if there are other natural features that our community should protect. Based on this review, the Board is expected to propose an expansion of protected areas this spring. Kalamazoo’s natural features are an important part of the city and protecting them has many benefits. These protections safeguard our water, support biodiversity, beautify the city, and have benefits for mental and physical health. Properties located in the Natural Features Protection Overlay District must
The process used to improve Burdick Street in 2017 will help improve the condition of more city streets in 2021.
follow certain rules during large building projects or developments to protect these features.
extend the life of roads while they
Proposed changes would need approval from the Planning Commission and City Commission, and will be available for public review and comment throughout the process. A schedule of meetings and any proposed changes to the map or ordinance will be posted at imaginekalamazoo.com once they are available.
It’s more expensive to repair roads that are in poor condition, so this proactive approach is a cost-effective way to improve our streets. By adding pavement preservation, more than twice as many lane-miles of local streets can be improved in 2021.
are still in good condition, while others are milled and repaved.
2021 will be a busy year as we work to upgrade our infrastructure and improve our streets. More than 40 projects are planned to make our streets safer, improve pedestrian infrastructure, resurface roadways, and upgrade our utility systems.
These preservation projects will use processes called chip sealing and fog sealing to extend pavement life. Chip sealing is a multi-step process. An aggregate (small stones) is applied to the street over a layer of liquid asphalt. The aggregate is then compacted and swept to remove excess material. A top coating of asphalt is applied (fog sealing) to complete the process. This creates a flat and uniform surface with a waterproof seal. Chip and fog sealing were used on Burdick Street in 2017 with great results.
This work includes a new pavement preservation program to improve the quality of our local streets. These projects will
You can find more information about pavement preservation and all planned street projects at imaginekalamazoo.com/projects.
Proactive Asphalt Preservation Among Road Work Planned for 2021
3
SPRING CLEAN-UP FOR CITY RESIDENTS EVERY APRIL Every April, the City of Kalamazoo helps residents clean up after winter by offering a Spring CleanUp. This program accepts the same items as brush collection (which starts in May), but also accepts leaves. This yard waste collection will take place on the same day of the month scheduled for the bulk trash and brush programs (for example the fourth Wednesday, see schedule on page 9). You can place items at the curb starting at 7 a.m. the day before your scheduled pickup. Make sure your items are out no later than 6 a.m. on your collection day. If your items are not collected for any reason, they must be removed from the curb within two days following the completed pick-up in your area. Material left at the curb is considered a nuisance and may result in fines or corrective action, so please be sure to follow city ordinances. For Spring Clean-Up and Brush collection, make sure items are in biodegradable bags, cardboard boxes, or bundled with twine.
Missed Collections If your collection was missed, please call 311 to report it within 48 hours. You can also report missed collections using the Recycle Coach app or online at kalamazoocity.org/report.
ACCEPTED: Weeds, yard waste, and any remaining leaves from the fall Branches, twigs, and trimmings up to four feet in length and two inches in diameter Items in open cardboard boxes, biodegradable bags, or bundled with twine ONLY
NOT ACCEPTED: Loose piles of material Grass clippings, soil, or dirt Rocks, stones, bricks, or concrete Railroad ties Other landscaping materials
BRUSH COLLECTION RESUMES IN MAY Monthly brush collection will resume in May. Brush collection occurs May through October on the same day of the month scheduled for bulk trash (see page 9). The same time frames and guidelines also apply. The Brush Collection program does not accept leaves, so make sure you take advantage of the Spring Clean-Up!
ACCEPTED: Up to 7.5 cubic yards of material per collection Branches, twigs, and trimmings up to four feet in length and two inches in diameter Weeds Items must be bundled with rope or twine, or in open cardboard boxes or biodegradable bags Bundles should be less than 50 pounds and not wider than arms length
NOT ACCEPTED: Leaves, grass clippings, dirt, soil, sod, or mulch Rocks, stones, concrete, bricks Construction or demolition materials Loose piles of material
4
!
Report missed collections for any curbside program within 48 hours by calling 311 or (269) 337-8000, via the Recycle Coach app, or online at kalamazoocity.org/report
HYDRANT FLUSHING STARTS APRIL 18 The City of Kalamazoo works 24/7/365 to operate and maintain our public water system. As part of this regular maintenance, the system is flushed twice per year through water hydrants.
Spring hydrant flushing will take place April 18 - 27 Flushing does not affect the safety of the water system Avoid doing laundry immediately after flushing Over time, naturally-occurring sediments can build up in pipes and narrow the path that allows water to flow. Flushing stirs up these deposits and forces them out of the system. This improves water flow and helps the system better meet our community’s needs.
Water may appear cloudy or discolored immediately after flushing. If this occurs, please run cold water in a bath tub or utility sink until it becomes clear again. Avoid doing laundry immediately after flushing as some fabrics could become discolored. If you have scheduled construction or any questions related to hydrant flushing, please call 311 or (269) 337-8000.
HYDRANT FLUSHING SCHEDULE A map of the full water system will be available at kalamazoocity.org before flushing begins.
T
RIVERVIEW
DOUGLAS
L UL
PATERSON
G
E KALAMAZOO
M IU
AN
ST AD
HIG
IC WM
EM I
CH
IN
G
FULFORD
ND LA
MILLER
CORK
RS
BURDICK
LO VE
MADISON
OA K
WHITES
PARKVIEW
N
K
STOCKBRIDGE
E TAG POR
WINCHELL
IGA
VINE
HOWARD
N
AI
M
PARK
DOBBIN
WESTNEDGE
W MAIN
T
E
V
LI
O
M
NORTH
DRAKE
When winter weather leaves for the season, City staff shift their focus from snow removal to street sweeping. Street sweeping typically starts in mid to late April but can vary depending on the weather. The first sweep of the season takes a little longer, but generally it takes about two weeks to sweep every road in the city. The entire roadway is swept, including bike lanes.
Most flushing will take place at night between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. When necessary, daytime flushing will occur between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
12TH
STREET SWEEPING
5
REDUCE, REUSE, AND
RECYCLE The City of Kalamazoo offers curbside residential recycling to all residents in the City. The single-stream program provides each household a 96-gallon recycling cart for bi-weekly collection. This program is funded by the solid waste millage and there is no additional cost to residents who participate.
Collection Day Place your cart at the curb no later than 6 a.m. on your collection day, but not sooner than the day before. Please remove your cart before 11 p.m. the day of your collection.
Missed Collections If your collection was missed, please call 311 to report it within 48 hours. You can also report missed collections using the Recycle Coach app or online at kalamazoocity.org/report.
No Cart? No Problem! Simply call 311 or (269) 3378000 to arrange for a cart to be delivered to you. You can also request a cart using the Recycle Coach app or online at kalamazoocity.org/report. Once your cart is delivered, just place it out for your scheduled collection!
Multi-Unit Properties Residential properties with five or more units can recycle too. A variety of container sizes
6
and collection schedules are available to meet resident needs. Multi-unit recycling collects the same materials as the curbside program and offers 24-hour access to residents. If you’re not already recycling, ask your property manager to start today!
Recycle Coach The Recycle Coach app for mobile devices is a great resource for Kalamazoo recyclers. This free app can remind you on your collection days, share important public services announcements, and is a great way to check what items are recyclable. Just search for Recycle Coach in your device’s app store.
Other Recyclables Many items that are not accepted through the City’s curbside program are still recyclable or can be reused. Call ahead to ensure your items will be accepted. Clothing and housewares that are in good condition can be donated to organizations like Goodwill, the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, the Kalamazoo Deacons Conference, Salvation Army, or Nuway. Plastic grocery bags can typically be returned to stores like Meijer or Walmart. Alkaline batteries can be returned to some home improvement stores, Batteries
Plus, or to the Household Hazardous Waste Center (see page 8). If its unmixed, used motor oil can often be recycled at auto parts stores or oil change locations. The Household Hazardous Waste Center accepts both mixed and unmixed oil. Tires are generally accepted by auto shops like Discount Tire, Firestone, or Bell Tire. The City is also planning a new program this year to accept tires for recycling that will be announced soon. Some office and shipping centers like the UPS Store will accept Packing peanuts to be reused. Electronics or appliances may be recycled at Best Buy locations or other recyclers like Schupan & Sons. The Kalamazoo County Household Hazardous Waste Center accepts many types of hazardous chemicals for recycling or proper disposal like batteries, electronics, oils, fuels, and much more. If not handled properly, these items can contaminate our groundwater, rivers, lakes, and streams. Schupan & Sons accepts a wide variety of items and may even pay for certain materials. You can recycle batteries, computers, storm doors, gutters, car parts, wiring, and many other items through Schupan & Sons. Kalamazoo Metal Recyclers also takes appliances, equipment, machinery, vehicles, and many items containing metal.
NEW!
RECYCLING MAP
EPS FOAM RECYCLING AVAILABLE IN 2021
See corresponding calendar on inside flap for A and B weeks
T
T
E
V
LI
O
DOUGLAS
RIVERVIEW
M
NORTH W MAIN
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam recycling will be available to Kalamazoo residents starting in April! The Environmental Concerns Committee is piloting a one-year program that will offer four drop-off days. Residents can drop off any amount of the accepted materials.
LL
PATERSON
GU
E KALAMAZOO
N
AI
M
EM ICH
IGA
N
WESTNEDGE
IU M ST AD
G
IN
DRAKE
K
AN
HIG
IC WM
VINE PARK
DOBBIN
STOCKBRIDGE
12TH
Saturday, April 24 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
RS
MADISON
CORK
LO VE
WHITES
PARKVIEW
Mayors’ Riverfront Park 251 Mills Street
MILLER
E TAG POR
BURDICK
WINCHELL
OA K
LA N
D
HOWARD
Saturday, July 31 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
RECYCLING DROP-OFF Republic Services 3432 Gembrit Circle
In addition to curbside recycling collection, City residents can drop off the same recycling materials to Republic Services.
Kalamazoo residents recycled 2,262 tons of material in 2020! The annual amount has increased by almost 50% since the City of Kalamazoo converted to a single stream program in October 2017.
Saturday, January 29 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
ACCEPTED:
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
If you have questions about recycling drop-off please call Republic Services at (269) 3734070.
How much does Kalamazoo Recycle?
Saturday, October 30 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Foam labeled with a 6 symbol only
Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Foam must be in clear or translucent bags
Recycling Volume (Tons)
Food containers must be rinsed, wiped, or cleaned
NOT ACCEPTED:
2,000
Styrofoam & sheeted insulation
1,000
Straws or lids Packing peanuts (see page 6) 0
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
7
DISPOSING OF HAZARDOUS ITEMS Special care is needed when disposing of hazardous materials like oil, cleaners, or chemicals. If not disposed of properly, these chemicals can impact our groundwater or end up in streams and rivers. The Kalamazoo County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Center can properly dispose of hazardous materials for City residents for free. The HHW Center accepts a wide variety of materials including adhesives, automotive fluids, batteries, oil, light bulbs, mercury, cleaners, electronics, and an assortment of other chemicals.
HHW Center 1301 Lamont Avenue The HHW Center is located next to the Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. You can find hours, what is accepted, and more information at kalcounty.com/hhw.
Free Pesticide Disposal The HHW Center is also a program site for the State’s Clean Sweep program. It accepts any amount of pesticide products free of charge from any Michigan resident. Banned pesticides are especially welcome. Contact the HHW Center for details.
WE’RE OPEN FOR CURBSIDE SERVICE Please Stay In Your Car!
kalcounty.com/hhw | 373-5211 hhwcenter@kalcounty.com
HOURS:
1301 Lamont Ave
FREE MEDICATION DISPOSAL
Proper disposal of medication helps prevent prescription abuse, addiction, and other community issues. Free disposal is available at Red Med boxes, which are located at police stations in Kalamazoo County. Find locations & hours at redmedboxes.com.
at Police Stations in Kalamazoo County MEDICATION DISPOSAL KALAMAZOO • FAST—FREE—SECURE
VISIT redmedboxes.com FOR LOCATIONS & HOURS
8
FREE BULK TRASH DROP OFF DAYS In addition to curbside service, City residents can take advantage of free bulk trash drop-off days at Republic Services. This service is funded by the solid waste millage and only available to city residents (proof of residency will be required). Residents may drop off the same materials that are accepted through the curbside bulk trash program.
Republic Services 3432 Gembrit Circle Wednesday, April 21 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Wednesday, November 3 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday, November 6 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
COMING SOON!
TIRE BLITZ Tires are not accepted through the bulk trash program and are often dumped in the city or left at the street. The City of Kalamazoo is introducing a new program in 2021 to accept old tires and help ensure they are recycled. Dates and times are still being finalized, but look for details to be announced soon.
QUARTERLY BULK TRASH COLLECTION City residents can take advantage of four free pick-ups for bulky trash items that are too large be collected with your regular household trash. Bulk trash pick-up occurs in March, June, September, and December.
result in enforcement action without notice.
Missed Collections If your collection was missed, please call 311 to report it within 48 hours. You can also report missed collections using the Recycle Coach app or online at kalamazoocity.org/report.
You can place items at the curb starting at 7 a.m. the day before your scheduled pickup. Make sure your items are out no later than 6 a.m. on your collection day. If your items are not collected for any reason, they must be removed from the curb within two days following the completed pickup in your area.
Consider Donating If you have unwanted items that are in good condition and can be reused, consider donating them to a charitable organization or listing them on a marketplace for free pickup. Your unwanted item might be just what someone else needs. This can help our neighbors and keep material from going to landfills.
Items placed out too early or left out after the times allowed for bulk trash or brush will be considered a nuisance and may
BULK TRASH, BRUSH, & SPRING CLEAN-UP SCHEDULE
T
RIVERVIEW
DOUGLAS
LL
E
N
AI
M
KALAMAZOO
EM I
WESTNEDGE
M IU ST AD
G
DRAKE
IN
STOCKBRIDGE
12TH
Items in black or opaque garbage bags or containers Loose piles of junk Material that exceeds 7.5 cubic yards Household trash Yard waste or organic material Tires or large auto parts Rocks, sand, glass, concrete, or construction/renovation materials
MILLER
Help prevent the spread of bed bugs by securely wrapping infested items in plastic and clearly labeling them “INFESTED WITH BED BUGS”. We also ask residents to damage or deface the infested items to be sure no one else collects or reuses them.
CORK LO VE RS
MADISON
BURDICK
WHITES
E TAG POR
PARKVIEW
REED
ND LA OA K
N
VINE
HOWARD
WINCHELL
IGA
K
PARK
DOBBIN AN
HIG
NOT ACCEPTED:
PREVENT THE SPREAD OF BED BUGS
CH
IC WM
Up to 7.5 cubic yards of material per collection
O
GU
NORTH
Items in open boxes or clear bags where contents can be easily identified
T
V LI
M
Mattresses, old unusable furniture, large household items
E
PATERSON
W MAIN
ACCEPTED:
9
KEEP OUR NEIGHBORHOODS CLEAN AND WELCOMING Every resident in the city can help keep our neighborhoods clean, safe, and inviting. By maintaining your property and following ordinances you can avoid fines and help build a sense of pride in your neighborhood. Your neighbors will appreciate it and city staff can focus on other programs. Report code violations by calling 311, 337-8000 or at kalamazoocity.org/report.
Curb Lawn Nuisances Furniture, trash, brush, or other unsightly material placed in the curb lawn (at the street) outside of time frames allowed for collection is considered a public nuisance. The City may take steps to correct this violation without notice and bill the property owner to recover the costs.
Porch Violations Open porches or decks may not be used as storage areas and furniture made for interior use may not be used or stored outside or on a porch. Properties in violation incur a $77 fine and may incur additional costs if not corrected.
Tall Grass & Weeds Weeds and grasses that are taller than eight inches and noxious weeds of any height (poison ivy, poison oak, etc.) are considered a public nuisance. Fines start at $127 and increase with each
10
repeat violation (to discourage property owners from relying on the city to maintain their properties). If the violation is not addressed, the City will arrange for the property to be mowed at the owner’s expense.
Trash on Private Property Litter, trash, junk, and debris are considered a nuisance and may result in a violation and $77 fine to the property owner. They will have ten days to clean their property before the City arranges for the violation to be addressed at the owner’s expense.
FREE SUPPLIES FOR GRAFFITI REMOVAL The City of Kalamazoo offers free help to residents who have been the victim of graffiti. The core neighborhood associations have supplies available to remove graffiti from brick, masonry, glass, metal, and other hard surfaces (painted surfaces are best handled by painting over graffiti). Contact your neighborhood organization for more information.
Garbage Containers Garbage containers must be stored no closer to the street than the front of the house. The lid or cover must be kept closed to ensure a tight seal on the container. Garbage containers may be placed for collection starting at 8 p.m. the day before the scheduled collection. The container must be removed from the public right-of-way by 11 p.m. on the collection day. Garbage containers placed out too early, left out too late, or stored improperly may result in corrective action, with the property owner charged for the associated costs. You can search the City’s full Code of Ordinances online at kalamazoocity.org.
ARE YOU RENTING? Did you know all rentals in the City of Kalamazoo must be registered and certified? This makes sure they are safe and in compliance with all city codes. The property owner is responsible for registering their property and scheduling inspections. Tenants are responsible for maintaining good housing conditions and promptly reporting any issues to the landlord. You can check if the property where you live is registered at kalamazoocity.org/rental. If you find it isn’t registered, please notify the City by calling 311 or (269) 337-8000, or by emailing rental@kalamazoocity.org.
WHAT GETS TO THE STREET, GETS TO THE CREEK! Did you know that most storm drains in city streets flow directly to local water bodies without treatment? Stormwater is discharged through a system of pipes, which eventually flow to Portage Creek, the Kalamazoo River, Woods Lake, and other local streams and lakes. If we’re not careful, stormwater can pick up dirt, oil, fertilizer, and lawn chemicals, which can pollute our waterways.
Actions you take on your property can help or hurt our water resources. The City needs all residents to do their part to keep our water clean.
To learn more, please visit ProtectYourWater.net for easy tips to protect the stormwater by preventing pollution BEFORE it gets to the creek, and by protecting the groundwater BEFORE it impacts our drinking water supply. By selecting the “Stormwater” tab, then choosing “Stormwater Management”, you will find a copy of the collaborative Stormwater Management Plan, which the City of Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo Valley Community College are jointly implementing. The ProtectYourWater.net website includes a comment tab with a form which allows local residents the opportunity to provide input which will be considered in future plan revisions. The City invites you to review this plan and provide comments. Then, please join us in protecting our water resources! Please remember: What gets to the street, gets to the creek!
A COMMUNITY EFFORT TO PROTECT OUR WATERWAYS With the help of volunteers, the City of Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo County Drain Commission were able to add 100 markers to stormwater catch basins to help prevent illegal dumping and protect our waterways. The badges are colorful reminders that what gets to the street, gets to the creek. The majority of pollutants that get into our lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands come from stormwater runoff. 70% of the municipal stormwater system discharges to the Portage Creek/ Arcadia Creek watershed, which feeds into the Kalamazoo River. Stormwater markers were also placed at locations to help protect Pikes Pond, Axtell Creek, and Woods Lake. Thank you to all of the community volunteers that made this project possible!
Stormwater Management Plan The City of Kalamazoo’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit of 2019 is available for public review and comment. The City’s Stormwater Management Plan and a summary table can be found at protectyourwater.net/ storm-water-management.
Volunteers take a quick break from installing badges for a photo on the Kalamazoo Mall.
11
The City of Kalamazoo Public Services Department 415 Stockbridge Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49001
SPRING / SUMMER 2021
VIEW FROM THE CURB The View from the Curb is published twice a year to share news and program information with city residents. Some program summaries and important dates are below, but find complete details inside.
BULK TRASH COLLECTION: MARCH, JUNE, SEPTEMBER, AND DECEMBER
BI-WEEKLY RECYCLING Single-stream curbside recycling is available to all residents in the city. Recycling is collected biweekly, and you can request a cart at any time. EPS foam recycling drop-off will also be available in 2021 starting in April. Learn about these programs on pages 6 and 7.
Curbside bulk trash collection takes place in March, June, September, and December. Four free drop off days are available to city residents. Complete details are on pages 8 and 9.
SPRING CLEAN-UP IN APRIL A special curbside pick-up takes place every April to help clean up after the winter. Residents can set out brush and residual leaves for collection. Material must be bagged, boxed, or bundled for collection. Full details are on page 4.
BRUSH PROGRAM STARTS IN MAY Branches, twigs, and trimmings are collected monthly starting in May through October. Items must be bagged, boxed, or bundled for pick-up. Full details are on page 4.
HYDRANT FLUSHING STARTS APRIL 18 As part of regular maintenance of our water system, the system is flushed twice per year through water hydrants. Flushing doesn’t affect the safety of our water and mostly takes place overnight. Learn more on page 5.
We Welcome Your Feedback! We are always striving to keep our community informed and welcome your feedback on View from the Curb or solid waste, recycling, and code enforcement issues. Call 311 or email hello@kalamazoocity.org to share any thoughts, ideas, questions, or concerns.
SAVE THIS NEWSLETTER: IMPORTANT WASTE & RECYCLING INFORMATION ENCLOSED!
2021 Weekly Recycling Schedule The City of Kalamazoo’s A & B week schedule for curbside recycling with other curbside programs noted. January S
M
3
4
T
5
W
6
T
7
February F
S
1
2
8
9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
S
7
March
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
7
M
T
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
28
28 29 30 31
31
April S
M
4
5
T
6
W
7
May T
F
S
1
2
3
8
9 10
S
M
T
W
June T
F
S
S
M
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
6
7
T
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
4
5
8
9 10 11 12
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
25 26 27 28 29 30
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
27 28 29 30
30 31
July S
M
4
5
T
6
W
7
August
September
T
F
S
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 10
8
9 10 11 12 13 14
5
M
6
T
7
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
4
8
9 10 11
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
29 30 31
26 27 28 29 30
October S
M
3
4
T
5
W
6
T
7
November F
S
1
2
8
9
S
7
December
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9 10 11 12 13
5
M
6
T
7
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
4
8
9 10 11
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
28 29 30
26 27 28 29 30 31
31
RECYCLING COLLECTION KEY: Gold highlighted weeks are A WEEK Blue highlighted weeks are B WEEK Red highlighted days are Holidays If your weekly pickup is scheduled on or after a holiday, your service will be provided one day later.
OTHER CURBSIDE COLLECTIONS: Spring Clean-Up Brush Collection Bulk Trash Collection See program maps for your collection day
Program maps can be found in the View from the Curb booklet or on each program’s page at kalamazoocity.org.
MY BULK TRASH, BRUSH, AND SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY IS: MY RECYCLING DAY IS:
Is there anything we can help you with? Simply call 311 or (269) 337-8000 for information or help with any non-emergency city services. City staff are available to help Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Non-emergency City services: 311 or (269) 337-8000 • Water & Sewer 24/7 emergency: (269) 337-8148 • Public Safety (non-emergency): (269) 488-8911 • Always call 911 in an emergency
Other Helpful Numbers Streetlights Report issues related to streetlights to Consumers Energy by calling (800) 477-5050 or visiting them online at consumersenergy.com.
Private Yard Waste Pick-up Several local waste haulers offer yard waste collection for a fee: • Republic Services - (269) 373-4070 • Best Way Disposal - (269) 388-3300 • Waste Management - (800) 796-9696
Private Yard Waste Drop-off The following companies accept yard waste for a fee: • Best Way Transfer Station, 2606 Miller Rd (269) 388-3300 • Kalamazoo Landscape Supply, 5111 S 9th St (269) 375-8000 • Mulder’s Landscape Supplies, 3333 Ravine Rd (269) 345-6900
Household Hazardous Waste Center Kalamazoo County’s Household Hazardous Waste Center accepts chemicals and other hazardous materials for proper disposal at no charge to Kalamazoo residents. 1301 Lamont Ave (269) 373-5211 www.kalcounty.com/hhw