About the Single Hauler Program

The proposed Single Hauler Program will shift the sole responsibility of refuse collection onto the City of Grand Rapids. This means that private companies will no longer collect refuse for residential homes. The Single Hauler Program will be a part of the Pay as You Throw Program where Grand Rapids residents pay only when the cart is used. 

The primary goal of the program is to make sure the City's environment is healthy. To do this, we use the latest cutting-edge technology for waste, recycling, and street management. We are also committed to making the City of Grand Rapids one of the most sustainable cities in the U.S. 

The decision to shift to the City of Grand Rapids becoming the sole hauler for residential homes came from two separate reports: a rate study and an operational study. Both studies recommended this proposed shift for the following reasons:  

• Positive impact on road maintenance--less wear and tear due to fewer refuse trucks on the roads. 

• The City will continue to meet its Sustainability priorities by lowering greenhouse gas emissions by having fewer refuse trucks on the road, as well as moving from the City Refuse Truck Fleet from diesel to compressed natural gas. 

• A continued investment in equity. The reports observed that the current Pay as You Throw is the most equitable refuse system nation-wide. This approach may allow the City to offer more competitive rates and pricing for Grand Rapids customers.

A Community-Wide Initiative 

The Single Hauler program is in the beginning stages of development. The current step is to educate and engage with the Grand Rapids community including residents, rental property associations, and current private haulers. If the program goes forward, anticipated start date will be July 1, 2027 (or as soon as 2026). The input received from Grand Rapids customers will impact decision-making as well as the direction given by the City Commission.