KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The city of Kalamazoo is expanding its downtown recycling network through the Bigbelly Waste and Recycling program, which officials say will reinforce a shared commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable urban core.
This effort is funded by the Downtown Economic Growth Authority as part of its effort to invest in a more vibrant and welcoming downtown.
This fall, 26 new Bigbelly recycling units will be installed across downtown Kalamazoo, replacing 58 aging traditional trash bins. The upgrade more than doubles the number of Bigbelly units citywide from 25 to 51, and includes the strategic relocation of four existing units to high-traffic pedestrian areas to maximize impact and accessibility.
Unlike standard bins, Bigbelly units use smart sensors to alert crews when they’re full, eliminating guesswork, reducing collection frequency, and minimizing overflows. The result is cleaner streets, greater efficiency, and better use of public resources.
Alongside the expansion effort, the City of Kalamazoo partnered with graduate student interns from Western Michigan University’s Industrial Organizational Behavior Management program to conduct detailed waste audits on existing Bigbelly units.
Audits were conducted over three days in July by city staff and WMU students.
Materials from Bigbelly units were sorted into categories of recycling, landfill, and liquids. Findings revealed that an average of 43.7% of materials in recycling bins were contaminants, including food waste, foam containers, clothing, and non-empty drink cups. Commonly recycled items included plastic cups, cardboard, paper, and aluminum cans.
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