Grand Rapids has launched its new trash pick program.  The new program will save some residents money, while others will pay more.

Find out how the costs will effect you.

Who will pay more and who will pay less vs. the last system?  Generally, if you DON'T produce much trash the new program may save you money, if you DO produce a lot of trash the new program may cost you more money.

Grcity.us reviews the new pricing structure:

A 32-gallon cart will hold two bags of refuse, for which the customer will be charged $2 when the cart is emptied. Customers will not be charged when they are on vacation or simply do not have enough refuse to present their cart for collection. If a 32-gallon refuse cart is placed at the curb every week, it would cost $26 for three months. This compares to $39 for three months for placing two bags each week and $30 for the current cart fee. The 64-gallon refuse cart will hold about four bags of refuse with a charge of $4 each time that the cart is emptied with a maximum quarterly cost of $52. This compares to $78 for bags and $40 for the current cart fee. The 96-gallon refuse cart will hold six bags of refuse with a charge of $6 per tip with a maximum fee of $78 per quarter. This compares to $117 for bags and $50 for the current refuse cart fee. Finally, the City estimates that the 64-gallon cart will work best for two-thirds of households.

Mlive.com examines who will benefit from the new program and who will pay more:

  • Customers who currently have a 32-gallon cart will pay less under the new system: from $30 every three months down to $2 per tip, or $26 every three months if the cart gets placed by the curb every week.
  • Customers who currently have a 64-gallon cart will pay more under the new system: from $40 every three months up to $4 per tip, or $52 every three months if the cart gets placed by the curb every week.
  • Customers who currently have a 96-gallon cart will see the biggest fee increase under the new system: from $50 every three months up to $6 per tip, or $78 every three months if the cart gets placed by the curb every week.

The new trash program in Grand Rapids has its fans, plus those who don't like it.  For many, how much they like it may depend on how the new pricing structure effects them.  Some will pay more.  Some will pay less.

Either way, the new version of "pay as you go" is one step further away from a one-size-fits-all millage.  The Grand Rapids refuse millage (which covers more than just trash) was reduced 0.2 mills to a new total of 1.6 mills as a part of this program.  That's a step in the right direction.

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