GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Rapids is considering a single-hauler trash system and is asking residents to weigh in this week.

The proposal would make the city the sole provider of residential pickup for single-family homes and small multiunit buildings with four units or fewer.

Public Works Director John Gorney said the city already collects trash for about 90% of residents, with private haulers covering the rest.

The city says the plan could improve service, reduce truck traffic and environmental impact, and create consistent standards across neighborhoods. Benefits under review include flexible cart sizes, bulk pickup at lower cost, single billing, pay-per-tip options and services for residents with income or mobility needs.

“We are held to a higher standard,” Gorney said. “If you have a private company that services your cart and you don’t like them, you just … get a new hauler. For us, we’re accountable to the city, we’re accountable to the city commission. Everything that we do has to be evaluated.”

Studies conducted by third parties in 2020 and 2024 recommended moving to a single-hauler system. Gorney said rates, tied mostly to tipping fees, are not expected to rise significantly. The earliest launch is 2026, with a target of July 2027, due to bidding and equipment needs.

Community input will shape the final plan. Sessions are scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at Sibley Elementary School on Sibley Street and 6 p.m. Thursday at GRPS University on Fuller Avenue. Each includes a short presentation, small-group discussions and questions with Public Works staff.

“Everything that we do ... is going to have to go back to city commission for their approval, if that is the recommendation that we bring forward,” Gorney said. “Now, of course, with the public engagement, we’ve had a lot of new ideas that weren’t proposed at the beginning, so that’s been beneficial for us, too. Also, it’s helped us to take a look at our service overall and found areas that we can improve.”