Grand Rapids Iron & Metal Expands Cardboard Recycling Services

News Summary

Grand Rapids Iron & Metal has received approval from the Byron Township Planning Commission to expand its recycling services to include corrugated cardboard. Previously, residents had to travel to Wyoming for cardboard recycling. This expansion will enhance convenience and sustainability for the Grand Rapids community. The Division Ave. location will undergo improvements to support the new services, addressing community concerns about dust while ensuring minimal impact on surrounding properties.

Grand Rapids Welcomes Exciting Cardboard Recycling Expansion!

In a move that promises convenience and better recycling options, Grand Rapids Iron & Metal, a local scrap recycling company, has received the green light to expand its services in Byron Township! The Byron Township Planning Commission gave their unanimous approval during a meeting on April 21, and the buzz around the community has certainly picked up.

The Scoop on the Expansion

So, what does this mean for the friendly folks of Grand Rapids? Well, Grand Rapids Iron & Metal is stepping up its game by including corrugated cardboard in its recycling offerings. Previously, residents had to make the trek to Wyoming to recycle their cardboard, which can be a hassle. With the new plans in motion, cardboard recycling will now be a breeze for everyone!

The Current Setup

Currently, Grand Rapids Iron & Metal operates from two locations. Their first site, spanning an impressive 8.7 acres, is situated at 7915 Division Ave. S. in Grand Rapids where they primarily focus on metal recycling. The second location, at 1701 Clyde Park S.W. in Wyoming, specializes in the recycling of paper and plastics. The exciting news is that the Division Ave. location is set to undergo some enhancements that will allow for the much-needed cardboard recycling.

What’s Required for the Expansion?

Now, to set the stage for this expansion, the current permit for the Division Ave. site only allows operations focused on metal recycling. Therefore, Grand Rapids Iron & Metal needs to acquire a new outdoor industrial baler specifically designed for handling cardboard. Interestingly, the company already has a similar baler at their Wyoming site where cardboard is currently processed. For the new baler at the Division Ave. site, extra concrete will be needed, but the company is in luck: the essential electrical systems are already in place!

Addressing Community Concerns

While many residents are excited about the new services, some have voiced concerns. Local resident Donna Houskamp has brought up issues regarding dust generated from the facility, especially during windy days. She has noted that small pieces of recycling materials occasionally end up on nearby lawns. Grand Rapids Iron & Metal has been proactive in this area, subscribing to an industrial dust control service that visits the site every four weeks to keep things under control.

A Promise for Cleaner Operations

General Manager has acknowledged that dust can be an issue and reassured the community that efforts to manage it are ongoing. He mentioned that most of the materials the facility processes are not consumer products that easily fly away; however, some materials, especially plastic, can detach and cause concerns. To further mitigate these issues, the facility is fenced in accordance with township specifications to help contain any potential waste materials.

Looking Forward

The thumbs-up from the planning review by Horizon Community Planning showed that the expansion is consistent with the township’s master plan. They stated that the operations would have “no more impact on the abutting properties” than what is currently observed. This means that while Grand Rapids Iron & Metal grows and adapts, the effect on the local area should remain minimal.

In conclusion, with the expansion on its way, Grand Rapids residents can look forward to a more convenient way to recycle cardboard without the hassle of traveling. As community members, it’s essential to keep supporting local businesses that contribute to sustainability and help our environment. Stay tuned for more updates as Grand Rapids Iron & Metal embarks on this exciting journey to broaden its recycling offerings!

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Additional Resources

• MLive: Scrap Metal Recycler Expansion
• WZZM13: Fire at Padnos Burton Recycling Center
• Fox17: Plume of Smoke Over Grand Rapids
• Wikipedia: Recycling
• Crain’s Grand Rapids: Advanced Scrap Sorting Technology