Date: September 12, 2020
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Households Served: 55
Trash/Waste Collected: ≈ 35 Tons
Resource Bags Distributed: 60
A Cleaner Neighborhood Through Community Action
On September 12, 2020, Seeds of Promise proudly hosted its annual Dumpster Day, a city-funded community clean-up event dedicated to helping residents in the Southtown–Madison Square neighborhood of Grand Rapids safely dispose of unwanted household waste. This yearly initiative reflects our commitment to environmental health, community pride, and accessible waste disposal services for local families.
Dumpster Day is designed to give residents an easy and cost-free opportunity to remove clutter and large waste from their homes and properties. By making proper disposal more accessible, we’re working together to keep our neighborhood clean, reduce illegal dumping, and create a healthier environment for everyone.
What Residents Could Dispose Of
During the event, almost all common household waste was accepted. However, a few items could not be disposed of for safety and environmental reasons, including:
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Toxic or hazardous materials
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Car batteries
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Gas-powered equipment
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Television screens
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Tires
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Yard waste such as leaves, sticks, and rocks
For materials not accepted at Dumpster Day, Seeds of Promise connects residents with trusted local disposal resourcesin Grand Rapids and Kent County. This ensures every item is handled safely and responsibly.
2020 Event Highlights
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7 dumpsters reserved for community use
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55 households served in the Southtown–Madison Square area
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Approximately 35 tons of trash collected and disposed of properly
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60 resource bags distributed, each containing an energy-efficient lightbulb and valuable local resource information
In addition to cleaning up the neighborhood, we were honored to welcome volunteers from the PROACTIVE Election Protection Coalition. They helped register residents to vote and encouraged participation in the U.S. Census, building civic engagement alongside environmental action.
Our Commitment to Accessible Waste Disposal
Dumpster Day is held every fall, making it easier for residents to declutter their homes before the winter season. To better serve our growing community, Seeds of Promise plans to expand Dumpster Day in 2021 with two convenient locations—one at the north end and one at the south end of the neighborhood.
This change will make the event more accessible, reduce wait times, and allow us to support even more households in keeping our neighborhood clean and safe.
If you need assistance with trash removal or special waste disposal services, call our office at (616) 710-5730 to be connected with local resources.
Thank You to Our Volunteers and Partners
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our community volunteers and partners. We extend our heartfelt thanks to:
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Tracy Byrd – PROACTIVE Election Protection Coalition
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Juanita Dean
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Paula Collier
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Shannon Holt
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Jacqueline Brown
Your support helps us make a lasting difference in the Southtown–Madison Square neighborhood and beyond.
Why Dumpster Day Matters
By hosting Dumpster Day every year, Seeds of Promise is not only removing waste but also:
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Encouraging responsible disposal habits
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Reducing illegal dumping in the community
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Supporting sustainability goals for Grand Rapids
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Strengthening community engagement and civic participation
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Making the neighborhood a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful place to live
Seeds of Promise is proud to be a trusted community development organization serving Grand Rapids residents through programs like Dumpster Day, neighborhood engagement, and environmental stewardship initiatives.
👉 To get involved, volunteer, or learn more about our work, visit www.seedsofpromisegr.com or call (616) 710-5730.