Fireworks might be a fun way to celebrate summer holidays, but they can be extremely dangerous. Just as you should use caution when setting off fireworks, there are safety precautions that need to be taken when disposing of fireworks (or the remains of fireworks). Fireworks disposed of improperly can be a fire hazard. Please follow… Continue reading
In a previous blog post, we talked about what you can do to keep your cart cleaner and less smelly. But what if it’s too late and it’s already dirty and smelly? Don’t panic. You don’t need to request a new cart. They’re actually pretty easy to clean using items you have around the house… Continue reading
Kids love garbage trucks and they have a great time interacting with their garbage men and women. They enjoy seeing the truck go by and watching the mechanical arm pick up the cart and get excited when the driver waves and honks the horn. And the feeling is definitely mutual. Garbage men and women get… Continue reading
Keeping our drivers safe is a priority for Granger every day of the year. The Slow Down to Get Around law just helps make doing that a little bit easier.
At Granger, we’re proud to serve the communities where we live and work. Sometimes, that simply means doing our job well. Other times, it means supporting the people and programs already making a difference. That’s what made this partnership with the Shark Tooth Woodshop at St. Louis High School so meaningful. Crafting More Than a… Continue reading
What does it take to be a great driver at Granger? It might seem like there’s a pretty obvious answer. You have to be good at driving. While that’s true, being a driver at Granger is quite a bit different from other driving positions. And while having a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and being skilled… Continue reading
Maybe you’ve been thinking about recycling for a while and have just never gotten around to it. Or possibly you’re an occasional recycler who would like to do more, but you’re not sure where or how to start. Whether you’re working on a New Year’s resolution or just looking to make some general improvements, here… Continue reading
Please note: This information is for customers who are not part of a municipal contract. If you receive your Granger service through a contract with your municipality, please contact us for information about tree collection as it varies by community. Granger will once again be collecting Christmas trees this winter. All Christmas trees must be… Continue reading
Recently, Granger had the privilege of welcoming a group of high school students involved in tech and trades programs as part of the Capital Area Manufacturing Council’s Manufacturing Day. This annual event is designed to give students a hands-on look at the diverse and exciting career paths available from different manufacturing and skilled trade employers…. Continue reading
Make the most of the season with a cleaner, safer space—inside and out! Fall is one of the most enjoyable times of the year, and with cooler temperatures crisp air, it’s also the perfect time to declutter and prepare for winter. Whether you’re clearing out closets or raking up leaves, having a plan makes all… Continue reading
At Granger Waste Services, we believe sustainability isn’t just about what we do today—it’s about preparing tomorrow’s leaders to carry the torch. That’s why we were proud to participate in the 2025 EGLE Michigan Student Sustainability Summit, a one-of-a-kind event that brought together more than 300 middle and high school students from across the state… Continue reading
During the holidays, we can get a lot of questions about what to do with festive packaging. We ask that you please follow these simple guidelines: Wrapping Paper Thin paper that is full of color, glitter or other embellishments SHOULD NOT BE RECYCLED. Thick, non-colored, cardboard type wrapping paper MAY BE RECYCLED. Tubes from the… Continue reading
During the holiday season, we all tend to generate a lot more trash. It’s to be expected, but having all those extra things to throw away can present some challenges. Here are some tips for making things a little easier on yourself (and on us too!): Be sure you know the holiday collection schedule. Knowing… Continue reading
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become staples of the holiday season. What started as one day in which countless shoppers waited in line for a chance at the best deals of the year has expanded to multiple days of savings and more easily accessible online bargains. Of course, the rise in online shopping means… Continue reading
It might not be the most pleasant topic for everyone to consider, but at some point, many of us will encounter an animal carcass. Whether you’re a hunter, farmer or a homeowner, you may need to dispose of a dead animal, or part of one, and knowing how to do it correctly is important. Granger… Continue reading
Recruit your kids, parents, friends and neighbors to recycle with you. Make sure you’re recycling right by reviewing the guidelines for your curbside service or recycling drop-off. Recycle a new material you’ve never recycled before, but be sure to refer to #2. Buy an item made with recycled materials. Learn more about recycling by reading… Continue reading
Halloween is an extraordinary time of year for those with a sweet tooth. Kids get bags of free candy, and adults get to buy candy on sale after the holiday is over. However, going through so many individually wrapped goodies can leave an aftertaste of guilt or confusion when tossing them. Your first instinct to… Continue reading
Most people would probably be shocked to know how much technology lives inside the truck that picks up their trash. Check out all the ways we use it to make your service safer and more efficient. Truck Tablets All Granger garbage trucks have electronic routing that allows near real-time communication of the status of a… Continue reading
Batteries—we use them for everything from cell phones to flashlights. They don’t last forever, though, and it’s hard to know what to do with them. Most single-use (not rechargeable) household batteries are safe to dispose of in the landfill, but other types of batteries are not only prohibited from going in the landfill, they can… Continue reading
One activity many of us enjoy in the summer months (or spring, fall or even winter) is camping. Whether you’re tenting it or glamping, chances are you’ll be making meals and generating some waste. You might be tempted to just chuck everything in the trash, but you can be environmentally responsible while camping. It just… Continue reading
Collecting trash and recycling is an inherently dangerous job. Being out on the roads leaves our associates in harm’s way. The act of lifting heavy, awkward bags or containers repeatedly throughout the day increases the risk of spontaneous, overuse and repetitive motion injuries. As a company, we recognize safety as a core foundational value. Safety… Continue reading
Bags are everywhere. Most of us probably use them in one form or another almost every day. But what do we do with them when we’re done? Now there’s a complicated question. Some bags can be recycled in your regular recycling collection, some can be recycled, but not in your curbside cart, some bags can’t… Continue reading
So, you’ve built and baked your compost lasagna. Each layer is set up and you might have already started adding kitchen waste! Your compost seems to be flourishing, but now what? There are four major components to remember when maintaining your compost pile: Green and brown material balance Turning and air balance Moisture levels Temperature… Continue reading
Did you know there is a weight limit on bags and on Curby carts? It’s true. We ask that you limit the trash you put out to 30 pounds per bag and 200 pounds per cart. Why? Heavy bags and carts can cause two main problems: Injuries—The #1 reason we have weight restrictions is because… Continue reading
Composting is a great way to utilize kitchen waste and nourish a garden that’s the envy of your neighbors. However, if you’ve thought about composting, that thought was probably quickly followed by wondering how to start a compost pile. Well, this post is here to explain just that and get you started on your compost… Continue reading
If there’s anything that screams summer, it’s a barbecue with family or friends. There’s just something about cooking in the great outdoors. But the traditional grill out can be more wasteful than it needs to be. Here are some tips for a successful barbecue that’s a little more earth-friendly. Eat local. Whenever possible, choose menu… Continue reading
A kitchen is a great place for cooking, eating and spending time with friends and family. It can also be a place with a lot of waste. But there are ways to eliminate some of that. Here are a few of our favorite ideas for reducing waste in the kitchen: Growing your own herbs, fruits… Continue reading
There are many things to think about when starting a remodeling or renovation project in your home. You might think about supplies, building permits and meeting code requirements, but what you might not think about is how to dispose of the waste. Here are a few things to think about on the subject of waste… Continue reading
Lean more about using our Customer Portal by reading these frequently asked questions. How do I access the Customer Portal? You can access the Customer Portal here. You may want to bookmark it for future use. You can also access the Portal from any page on our website by clicking on the Customer Portal… Continue reading
There are few things as satisfying as spending the day cleaning out the basement, attic, closet, shed or garage and seeing those spaces go from dirty and cluttered to clean and organized. When you’re finished, it’s tempting to just throw everything you don’t want in a garbage bag and chuck it in your Curby Cart,… Continue reading
Getting ready to do a big spring (or any time of the year) cleaning? It’s a daunting task, but Granger can help. Here are some things to remember if you’re cleaning out a garage, attic or basement (or all of the above). Reuse/Recycling Rather than tossing that stuff in the trash, consider the options you… Continue reading
Have you ever gone to toss a bag into your cart only to wonder, “How heavy is this thing?” Then you start to sweat as you wonder if your cart will be over the weight limit. Weight limits for bags and carts are an important part of your collection guidelines. Bags can get pretty heavy,… Continue reading
For years, Granger associates have been making landfill sundaes at local events. It’s a great way to educate people about how we build landfills and make them safe places to put trash. Not to mention that it’s fun and tasty! Adults and kids alike enjoy this activity and now you can do it at home…. Continue reading
Every February 14, couples around the country show each other the love. While all this love is great, the traditional Valentine’s Day trappings aren’t all that environmentally friendly. So, what should you do? Check out some alternatives to the Valentine’s Day big four: Cards Not to sound cynical when speaking about love, but a… Continue reading
Dear Captain CurbySM: I have a lot of electronic items I don’t want anymore like old cell phones and computer keyboards. Is it ok to throw these away? Bill N. Holt Dear Bill: Thanks for asking! If these are from your home, there’s nothing to prohibit you from throwing electronics in with your trash if… Continue reading
Here’s a term you may have never heard before: “wishcycling.” We’ll use it in a sentence. “Wishcycling has become a huge problem for the recycling industry.” Wishcycling is a catchy phrase that seems to have been coined by the president of a recycling company in Minnesota, and what it means is putting items in your… Continue reading
Dear Captain CurbySM: I am diabetic and have a lot of used needles. How do I get rid of them? Should I put them in my recycling cart? Rita M. Owosso Dear Rita: Thanks for asking. Your needles, like other medical equipment that can puncture or cut skin, such as lancets, are considered sharps. There… Continue reading
If you ever find yourself standing by a recycling cart wondering if you should toss something, you have come to the right place. Recycling can sometimes seem complicated, but Granger is here to help. Check out the responses that follow for some commonly asked questions. (The answers provided are based on applicable Michigan laws and… Continue reading
You may be wondering exactly what being kind has to do with a trash company. Usually, the answer would be nothing. But since we’re talking about Granger in particular, the answer is EVERYTHING. More than 50 years ago, this company was started by three Granger brothers and built on the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule… Continue reading
Working in the waste industry is rewarding, but that doesn’t mean our associates don’t have a tough job. Hazards can come from all different sources. Because we place so much value on safety, we do our best to avoid anything that could threaten the safety and health of our associates and community and world around… Continue reading
You just finished carving your third set of pumpkins this year—all masterpieces. As you admire your artistry, you wonder what you’re going to do with them when Halloween is over. Throwing them in the trash is an option, but it isn’t the only one. Read on to learn more. Cooking Cooking pumpkins is a great… Continue reading
When you think of disaster situations, it’s likely that your first thought is not what might happen if your paint thinner and disinfectant come into contact. For many, understanding household waste management itself can be overwhelming. Don’t fret, because we are here to answer your burning questions and make sure you’re well equipped with the… Continue reading
Many of us first met Captain Curby when we were handed our first Curby doll or when we saw him out at a Lugnuts game. Some may have been first introduced to Curby during one of his previous birthdays—through well wishes on social media or his iconic 30th birthday billboard. One of the best things… Continue reading
As the summer winds down, thoughts inevitably turn to back-to-school shopping. And while it’s exciting for kids to get some cool new stuff which takes a little of the sting out of having to head back to the classroom, the whole process can get downright environmentally unfriendly. Here are a few tips for keeping back… Continue reading
Since Granger has vehicles on the road all day, every day, our associates, including drivers and mechanics, must be vigilant about ensuring these vehicles are in correct working order. After all, if our trucks aren’t in good condition, it could affect the safety of our associates and everyone else on the road. But even those… Continue reading
If you do a lot of grilling or camping, inevitably you’ll be emptying a lot of those propane tanks, whether it’s a larger tank for your gas grill or camper or the 1 lb. canisters you use for your camp stove. Now what do you do? You have a few different options. Best Option… Continue reading
Facility will help Granger better serve Jackson and surrounding area This week Granger Waste Services representatives unveiled a new building in Blackman Township. The building is located at Granger’s existing property on Lansing Avenue near Granger Disposal Center of Jackson. The 16,000 square foot, energy-efficient facility includes six mechanic bays and a wash bay, as… Continue reading
Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22. There are numerous events around the country that you can participate in to show your love for the earth, and that’s a great way to spend the day. However, you don’t have to attend a huge event to make a difference. Instead, use Earth Day this… Continue reading
If you have a yard, you probably have yard waste. Disposing of it may seem simple, but it’s important to note that yard waste can’t be disposed of like regular waste. Click a question below or scroll through for answers to all your yard waste collection questions. What is yard waste? Can I throw my yard… Continue reading
Blackman-Leoni Public Safety is pleased to announce the purchase of seven mass casualty trauma kits. These compact kits will allow a single public safety officer to simultaneously treat four to six patients with life-threatening traumatic injuries caused by shootings or explosions. The kits could be used during a mass casualty situation, such as with an… Continue reading
Granger Waste Services and Les’s Sanitary Service have reached an agreement to combine operations. Beginning December 1, 2022, Granger will assume Les’s customers. Les’s customers are not likely to notice much of a difference with the transition. Many of Les’s employees will take advantage of career opportunities with Granger. The Sweeney family started Les’s more… Continue reading
If you’re like most people, you probably put your trash out at the street each week and promptly forget about it. But the story doesn’t end there. Here’s what happens to your trash after you put it out. Once your trash is in the truck, it is compacted to make it take up less space…. Continue reading
In the summer of 2022, Granger Waste Services had the pleasure of hosting two summer interns. These interns, while doing extremely different jobs, both proved very beneficial to their departments, as well as learning some new skills and gaining valuable work experience along the way. Kelsey Hedman, who will soon be starting her senior year… Continue reading
By Taylor Bass, Community Relations and Brand Specialist Recently, I had the opportunity to hop up in one of our automated side load (ASL) trucks and spend the day with RJ, a professional driver, on one of his residential trash routes. I had no idea what to expect when I pulled into the parking lot… Continue reading
Granger Waste Services is pleased to welcome Taylor Bass as the new community relations and brand specialist. In her new role, Taylor will assist in developing strategies and programs, including event participation, education and corporate giving, designed to positively contribute to the community. She will be responsible for nurturing relationships between Granger and… Continue reading
Granger Waste Services is pleased to announce a new resource for Alma customers. Alma native Michelle Pitts has been hired as a sales representative for Granger’s Alma area service territory. Michelle will focus her efforts on helping potential customers obtain service that best meets their needs, as well helping existing customers have the most exceptional… Continue reading
It’s not the most pleasant thing to think about, particularly if you’re in our industry, but the facts are clear—trash and recycling workers continue to be among the most dangerous of professions out there. Not only do these workers have a physically intense job, they frequently put themselves in danger just by going to work… Continue reading
We’ve all been there. You come home from work in the evening and go to wheel your Curby cart back to the garage, only to find that it’s still full of trash. At this point, you may be wondering …
You might not think much about what you put in your trash. Anything that can’t be recycled that you want to get rid of is probably fair game. But some items can pose a fire hazard if they’re not disposed of properly. Please help us keep fire out of our trucks and facilities by keeping… Continue reading
Paint disposal doesn’t seem like it should be complicated, but it can be. Not only is it messy (obviously), more importantly, it can be hazardous. Oil-Based Paint Believe it or not, oil-based paint is considered household hazardous waste. That means you can’t throw it in with your regular trash because it is dangerous to the… Continue reading
There will come a day when one of your trusted appliances finally calls it quits. It has spent its life making yours much easier. And while you’re actually thrilled to start shopping for a shiny new appliance, you have no answer to this important question: what do I do with my old, bulky appliance? Don’t worry—we’ve… Continue reading
Global sustainable energy producer EDL and key project stakeholders bp, Consumers Energy and Granger Waste Services welcomed the start of operations at the Wood Road Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Facility. The landfill gas to RNG facility is the first of its kind in Lansing, Michigan. EDL Chief Executive Officer James Harman said, “Converting waste gases… Continue reading
We’re adding more automated side load (ASL) trucks to our fleet all the time because they’re so safe and efficient. (Not sure what an ASL truck is or why it’s safer and more efficient?
Imagine this. You’re sitting at your kitchen table eating a leisurely breakfast when you hear the garbage truck. But wait, you think. It can’t be the garbage truck. My trash doesn’t get picked up until afternoon. They never pick it up in the morning and it’s not even out there yet. You go outside to… Continue reading
Corrugated cardboard and boxboard are similar, but not the same. Cardboard has three layers of material, with a wavy center layer. Boxboard is one thin layer of material (think cereal box or paper towel tube). They are both great materials to recycle, but there are some things to remember. If you have curbside collection, there’s… Continue reading
The third week in June is designated as Waste & Recycling Workers Week. This important celebration, formerly called as Garbage Man Appreciation Week at Granger, is a chance to recognize all workers who contribute to keeping communities clean, either by picking up waste or by fulfilling important roles that help support waste collection. At Granger,… Continue reading
Here in Michigan, it can get a little on the windy side, particularly during certain months of the year, and that can make for challenges with trash collection. Here are some things it helps to remember when the wind starts gusting. Tip #1 Bag All Your Trash This is honestly the one step you… Continue reading
You’re probably busier than ever these days, trying to fit work or school, family time and chores into days that seem much too short. But you still care about the environment and want to do what you can to help. So, all you overburdened folks, this post is for you. Check out this list of… Continue reading
Dear Curby: I got a letter stating that my trash truck was being replaced with an automated truck. I know two people usually work in one truck. I’m concerned that someone may have gotten let go because you only need one person on a truck now. Are you replacing your people with automation? Please tell… Continue reading
Want to be a better recycler? Consider these tips. Think before you buy. The time to think about recycling is while you’re shopping. If you don’t want to end up with a bunch of packaging you can’t recycle, don’t buy it in the first place. If you’re deciding between comparable products, choose the one with… Continue reading
Updated: 5/25/21 The recycling guidelines list plastic as an accepted material, so that must mean any plastic, right? Well, as it turns out, all plastic is not created equal and some of it is not recyclable with your household recycling collection or at your local recycling drop-off. Here’s a rundown on what’s ok to toss… Continue reading
Waste collection is considered an essential service that is vital to the health and safety of our communities. We are grateful and proud of our associates who are out there every day making sure this important work gets done. Their jobs are far from easy, and we know you appreciate them as much as we… Continue reading
We spend our days driving garbage trucks around your neighborhood. It’s a big responsibility, and we take it very seriously. We know that the most important aspect of our job is not picking up trash—it’s keeping ourselves and the people around us safe. There are many tools we use to ensure we are doing our… Continue reading
Household recycling collections and drop-offs are meant for recycling common items that can be recycled on a large scale. It’s important to follow the guidelines for this type of recycling carefully, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other, more specialty items, that you may want to find another way to recycle. If you can’t or… Continue reading
Sure, your spouse is pretty great, and you love your friends and your kids. But what about that unsung hero in your life? You know who we’re talking about—that superhero in disguise who picks up your trash. Here are some reasons to love your garbage man or woman. They make the world a better place…. Continue reading
There’s a lot of information out there about recycling, but not all that information is correct. These are just some of the rumors flying around about recycling that aren’t actually true. Myth #1 Caps and lids need to be removed. While there was a time when lids and caps needed to be removed, the general… Continue reading
You may have heard about our Granger Disposal Centers, which are conveniently located in Lansing, Jackson and Alma, but you might not realize how useful they can be for you. Sure, they’re used by contractors and junk haulers, but they can also help out your average homeowner. Here are some ways you can make a… Continue reading
We post about a variety of different topics related to our company and the waste industry on our blog, and it’s always interesting to see which posts our customers visited the most. Last year at this time, we reviewed the most visited blog posts of 2018. When comparing our results from both years, two things… Continue reading
At certain times it may be necessary to dispose of old guns and ammunition. Whether it’s because a gun is broken and too expensive to repair or you have spent cartridges or ammunition you’re not going to use for some reason, it may be tempting to throw those items in your trash. If you get… Continue reading
Once you’ve done the important work of determining what can be recycled in your area, preparing the materials for recycling and putting them out at the curb, putting them in your commercial recycling container or taking them to a drop-off, you may not worry much about how your materials are being recycled. The important thing… Continue reading
Continuing our series that gives practical and real examples of things you can recycle (or not) throughout your house, we take a visit to the laundry room. The laundry room is probably not your favorite place to hang out, but you no doubt spend a lot of time in there, particularly if you have kids…. Continue reading
Continuing our series that gives practical and real examples of things you can recycle throughout your house, we take a visit to the pantry. And the name of the game with pantry recycling is EMPTY. Regardless of what the container is made of, all food items must be removed before it can be recycled. Please… Continue reading
Please note that the information contained in this post refers to aerosol can waste generated in a household setting, not in businesses or industry. You probably have several aerosol cans in your house, garage or shed. They can contain products like whipped cream, spray paint, hairspray and bug spray. When they’re empty, you may not… Continue reading
Recycling guidelines are helpful, but they’re usually pretty general. We thought it might be useful to publish some posts that give practical, real-life examples. This is the first in a series of blog posts that takes one room of your house and gives an intensive rundown of what can and can’t be recycled there. We’ll… Continue reading
Granger Waste Services is pleased to announce a new resource for Jackson customers. Jackson native Jessica Webb has been hired as a sales representative for Granger’s Jackson area service territory. Jessica will focus her efforts on helping potential customers obtain service that best meets their needs, as well helping existing customers have the best service… Continue reading
By Guest Blogger Charles Hauser In December of 2009, I graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Entrepreneurship and Marketing. The idea of business, working with people and developing relationships always intrigued me. As a professional, I followed this path while learning from great mentors and business leaders. Throughout my years of experiences,… Continue reading
We’re celebrating National Garbage Man Week by featuring Granger associates. We might not all pick up trash here at Granger, but we’re all garbage men and women. Name: Earl Aungst Title: Safety Specialist What kind of activities do you do on a typical workday? My work is a combination of training to help keep associates… Continue reading
We’re celebrating National Garbage Man Week by featuring Granger associates. We might not all pick up trash here at Granger, but we’re all garbage men and women. Name: Sean McHugh Title: Data Analyst What kind of activities do you do on a typical workday? I analyze business and financial questions. The Granger leadership team wants… Continue reading
We’re celebrating National Garbage Man Week by featuring Granger associates. We might not all pick up trash here at Granger, but we’re all garbage men and women. Name: Jr Ramereiz Title: Equipment Operator What kind of activities do you do on a typical workday? Operate the Bobcat and fork truck in the Recycling Center, sort… Continue reading
We’re celebrating National Garbage Man Week by featuring Granger associates. We might not all pick up trash here at Granger, but we’re all garbage men and women. Name: Darla Fabus Title: Accounts Payable Administrator What kind of activities do you do on a typical workday? Typical activities include accounts payable tasks, vendor setup and maintenance,… Continue reading
By Guest Blogger Angie Schwab My position at Granger is human resources and safety coordinator and it is truly a unique job. I haven’t yet met anyone who has a job that is even close to what I do every day. It’s kind of a hybrid position—part human resources, part safety and part liaison to… Continue reading
Before environmental regulations that govern landfills were developed, we used to have these things called dumps. It generally meant you could just dig a big hole in the ground or find an open field and throw trash in it. Since there were no rules governing these dump sites, it was essentially a big free for… Continue reading
Recycling is confusing. We get it. We also know that most people know how important it is to put only accepted items in their recycling and want to get it right. And we want to help you get it right. But it’s difficult, if not impossible, to put very specific, detailed lists of what’s accepted… Continue reading
We know you have questions about recycling, and we want to make it as painless as possible to recycle right. Read on for answers to some common questions about Granger recycling. Can I recycle shredded paper? If you have curbside collection with a cart, please put it in a paper bag and fold the top… Continue reading
By Guest Blogger Josh Kindy In my position as training and development specialist, my main duties include onboarding and new hire training, creating and providing industry-specific training material and assisting the operations and safety teams with other projects as necessary. Although many of my duties are focused on our driving staff, I also assist with… Continue reading
Well, here we are talking trash again. For more definitions of those interesting waste industry terms, keep reading. Automated Side Load (ASL)—A residential garbage or recycling truck with a mechanical arm that is operated from inside the cab using a joystick Convertainer—A type of trash truck used for hauling large trash containers Capping—The process of… Continue reading
You may think a landfill is a landfill, but there are actually different types meant for receiving various materials. Landfills can be licensed by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) as either a Type I, Type II or Type III landfill. Type I landfills are facilities used specifically for the disposal of materials designated… Continue reading
We know recycling can be complicated. Knowing what to put in your recycling collection is difficult enough without having to also remember how to prepare the materials. And, unfortunately, there’s a lot of outdated and misinformed information out there. But don’t worry. We’re here to help. Here are our answers to some commonly asked questions… Continue reading
By Guest Blogger Serenity Skillman I graduated from Michigan State University in May of 2018 with a degree in Biosystems and Agriculture Engineering. I am an Engineer in Training (meaning I successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam) and am working on getting my Professional Engineer license. When I graduated, I wanted to find a job where I felt I… Continue reading
Just like any other industry, the waste industry has certain terms that only make sense to us. We try to keep the jargon out of our communications, but you may see some of these terms pop up on our sites and in other places around the internet. Here’s a brief description of some of the… Continue reading
Updated: 6/2/21 As recyclers, we’ve been trained to look for that number inside the arrows chasing each other around on the bottom of our plastic. If there’s a number there, and that number matches a number on the recycling guidelines, we’re good for throwing that item in our recycling. But that thinking, while it seems… Continue reading
One of the terms you may have heard recently is “zero waste.” Many corporations, including General Motors, Google and Procter & Gamble, have adopted varying stages of the zero waste philosophy in an effort to be more environmentally responsible. Even smaller, local businesses are getting in on the act. Some individuals and families strive to… Continue reading
If you’ve spent any time on our blog, you know we post on a variety of different topics. We write posts to address service-related issues and to answer questions our customers have about what they can and can’t throw away or recycle and why. But since we’ve been writing this blog for a couple years… Continue reading
Updated 4/28/21 If you’ve read our Waste Acceptance Guidelines, you know that one of the categories of waste that you’re prohibited from putting in your trash is something called hazardous waste. In fact, we can’t accept any container that has a hazardous waste label on it, even if the container is empty. But what exactly… Continue reading
Do you ever lay awake at night wondering about your trash or recycling service? You know, those burning questions that randomly pop into your head that you wish you knew the answer to? Well, we’re here to help. Read on for more answers to those consuming questions that keep you up at night. Will… Continue reading
Generally speaking, the more information we have, the better we feel about new experiences. And for that reason, among others, we’re really excited about a resource that’s now available for Granger customers. In October of 2018, we met with the co-founder of Able Eyes to film a virtual 360 tour of our Disposal Center of… Continue reading
Medications are a part of everyday life for many of us—they can help make us more comfortable, treat chronic conditions and even save our lives. But they’re also something that shouldn’t be left sitting around where they can be accidentally or intentionally misused. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recommends removing expired, unwanted and unused… Continue reading
Do you ever lay awake at night wondering about your trash or recycling service? You know, those burning questions that randomly pop into your head that you wish you knew the answer to? Well, we’re here to help. Keep reading for answers to those consuming questions that keep you up at night. Do I… Continue reading
Light bulbs are a necessary part of our daily lives. Though new technology means light bulbs are lasting longer, we all occasionally hear that familiar pop when flipping the switch. And with all the different types of bulbs out there now, it can be confusing to know what to do with them when they reach… Continue reading
It’s probably not a secret that picking up trash and recycling for a living isn’t an easy job, but a very important one. The men and women who take care of our waste work hard and with just a small amount of effort, we could make their work a little easier. (In fact, that’s probably… Continue reading
Each year on September 15, we celebrate a special day at Granger. It’s the day we debuted rolling trash carts in Lansing way back in 1983 and it’s also the day Captain CurbySM, our fabulous mascot, appeared for the first time. There’s no doubt Curby is beloved both here at Granger and out in the… Continue reading
One of the challenges with recycling is that guidelines can vary in different areas and even in the same area from waste hauler to waste hauler. What haulers and municipalities accept is usually based on the requirements imposed on them by the processing facility their recycling goes to. In an ideal world, we’d have standardization… Continue reading
When you think of people who work at Granger, garbage truck drivers are probably who comes immediately to mind. And it’s true that the biggest part of our workforce here is drivers. After all, picking up trash and recycling is our main business, and that wouldn’t work very well if we didn’t have anyone to… Continue reading
By Lydia Granger I grew up with garbage men as my heroes. I’d always wave at the drivers and then shrink down in the backseat when Mom would start “honking hello.” Granger Brown was my favorite color, and I was taught how to properly place our carts for easy pick-up. September 15 forever marks Captain… Continue reading
We’ve all seen it. We visit a Recycling Drop-off and notice items in the container that don’t belong. Some of them are blatant. Materials that are clearly trash are sitting in the container. Others are less obvious, such as a cardboard box that still contains plastic bags or polystyrene used to package the things inside…. Continue reading
We’re celebrating Garbage Man Appreciation Week by featuring Granger associates. We might not all pick up trash here at Granger, but we’re all garbage men and women. Name: James Glasscoe Title: Professional Driver Work Location: Services customers out of Lansing facility What kind of activities do you do on a typical workday? I work on a residential (rear-load) garbage truck… Continue reading
We’re celebrating Garbage Man Appreciation Week by featuring Granger associates. We might not all pick up trash here at Granger, but we’re all garbage men and women. Name: Phil Newsome Title: Sales Representative Work Location: Main Office, Lansing What kind of activities do you do on a typical workday? Answer questions regarding what types of waste we can accept… Continue reading
We’re celebrating Garbage Man Appreciation Week by featuring Granger associates. We might not all pick up trash here at Granger, but we’re all garbage men and women. Name: Andrew Russ Title: Fleet & Purchasing Manager Work Location: Lansing Maintenance Facility What kind of activities do you do on a typical workday? Order new equipment, anything from garbage trucks to trash machines,… Continue reading
Granger Waste Services will be celebrating Garbage Man Appreciation this week (Monday, June 18 through Friday, June 23). This week-long celebration is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate all of Granger’s hardworking associates. It’s also intended to recognize the men and women who work behind the scenes keep our communities clean. Garbage men and women… Continue reading
We’re celebrating Garbage Man Appreciation Week by featuring Granger associates. We might not all pick up trash here at Granger, but we’re all garbage men and women. Name: Denise Slocum Title: Granger Customer Service Representative Work Location: Recycling Center, Lansing What kind of activities do you do on a typical workday? Weigh Granger and non-Granger recycling and trash… Continue reading
Welcome to Granger! We’re excited to be a part of your community and are happy to serve you. To help make the transition smooth, we have a few things to share with you. Explore the links below to learn more about who we are. Billing Blue Water Online Bill Pay Please mail your payment for any… Continue reading
You might think picking up trash and recycling is pretty straightforward, and it is. But just as technology has improved operations and efficiency in offices, it has enabled some positive changes with your garbage and recycling collection. Here are a few ways Granger is using technology to improve our operations: Automated Collection Many of our… Continue reading
Saving the environment and protecting the earth can be a big job. If you think too much about it, it can be really daunting. The good news is, there are small actions you can turn into habits that will have a lasting impact. Here are top tips for easy changes you can make in your… Continue reading
If you’re like most of us, your weekly trash fits neatly into a trash bag, which fits neatly into your Curby Cart. But occasionally, you might have something a little (or lot) larger that requires disposal. That larger item is probably a bulk. Read on for more information about bulk items and how to dispose… Continue reading
You’re moving. It can be a busy, stressful time and the last thing you will probably be thinking about is your trash service. Luckily, we’ve thought about it for you. Here are some things to remember when you’re getting ready to make a big move. Transferring/Canceling Your Service We hope you’re happy with your service… Continue reading
Recycling is one of those things we do that’s become kind of mystical in its significance. We know it’s good for the environment—it saves energy, helps preserve natural resources and decreases waste. All those completely justified warm and fuzzy feelings make it easy to forget that recycling is also a business and practical business concerns… Continue reading
Updated: 7/28/21 If you’re a Granger customer, you’ve seen our Waste Acceptance Guidelines on multiple occasions. We publish them at least annually to remind customers what shouldn’t go in the trash. If you’ve ever wondered why some of these items are prohibited or what you can do with them instead, please keep reading. Open, empty… Continue reading
No matter what your team colors are, it’s a good thing to be green when you’re having a Super Bowl Party (or really any kind of get together with friends and family). Here are some tips for making your get togethers more environmentally friendly. Choose homemade over prepackaged. You know those greasy, cheesy pizza boxes can’t… Continue reading
You know the feeling. It’s 3 a.m. and you’re suffering from insomnia. Instead of counting sheep, you get up and turn on your computer. While you’re logging on, you remember that question you had—the one about your Granger trash service. You can’t give us a call because it’s 3 a.m., but there are ways to… Continue reading
Your garbage man has a tough job and at no time is it tougher than in the winter months. When conditions are harsh, roads get treacherous and safety is threatened. Luckily, Granger’s drivers make safety a priority every day. They’re experts at staying safe on the roads, so we thought it might be useful for… Continue reading
Dear Captain CurbySM: I was looking for something in the attic the other day and found some broken pieces of window glass. Is it ok to throw them away in my Curby cart? Should I try to recycle them? Brian P. Jackson Dear Brian: Thanks for asking. Our biggest concern when it comes to throwing… Continue reading
Most of the time, your Curby cart or bags work just fine, but once in a while, you may have a bit too much trash for that to be practical. Like cleaning out your basement for the first time in 20 years or replacing that leaky roof. For situations like these, if you don’t have… Continue reading
It’s a pretty common best practice to rinse that plastic tub or aluminum can before you toss it in your recycling cart, but some question if it’s really necessary. At Granger, we ask you to rinse bottles, jugs and tubs, and here are a few reasons why: Residue or liquids left in containers can contaminate… Continue reading
We encourage everyone to make use of the three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) and composting to deal with their waste. It’s good for the environment and your peace of mind. But there are some things out there that just need to be thrown away and go somewhere. Luckily, you can throw these things away knowing… Continue reading
You’ve probably seen his familiar face a lot over the years. He’s the Granger mascot Captain CurbySM, and he loves hanging out with Granger customers and community members, giving high fives and posing for photos. Curby’s story began more than 30 years ago, on September 15, 1983, and like many wonderful things, he started as… Continue reading
It’s hard to keep your trash from smelling, but there is a way to keep your Curby cart cleaner. Follow these easy tips: Bag all your trash. If your trash is contained in bags, it’s less likely to get into your cart to get it messy. It only makes sense, right? Double bag pet waste… Continue reading
Picture this: You’re getting ready to take your recycling to the drop-off center. You want to recycle in the most environmentally friendly way possible, so you’ve saved your recycling up in your garage for several weeks. Now you’re taking the opportunity to recycle it on your way to an appointment, when you’re going to drive right… Continue reading
While there are numerous reasons we think working at Granger is second to none (in no order), we’re focusing on one claim—we provide careers. There’s a fair amount of debate about what constitutes a career versus what is just a job, but people seem to agree on a few main points: A job is about… Continue reading
We’re celebrating Garbage Man Appreciation Week by featuring Granger associates. We might not all pick up trash here at Granger, but we’re all garbage men and women. Name: Kimberly Smelker Title: Operations Manager How long have you worked at Granger? 21 years What’s your favorite part about working at Granger? Friendly co-workers What three things would… Continue reading
We’re celebrating Garbage Man Appreciation Week by featuring Granger associates. We might not all pick up trash here at Granger, but we’re all garbage men and women. Name: Rick Bonilla Title: Recycling Equipment Operator How long have you worked at Granger? 16 years What’s your favorite part about working at Granger? The variety of equipment I… Continue reading
We’re celebrating Garbage Man Appreciation Week by featuring Granger associates. We might not all pick up trash here at Granger, but we’re all garbage men and women. Name: Angie Schwab Title: HR Safety Coordinator How long have you worked at Granger? 6 months What’s your favorite part about working at Granger? I really enjoy being integrated… Continue reading
Not everyone dreams of being a garbage man when they grow up, but I definitely did. Maybe my situation was a little different because it was our family business, but even when I was small, I think I recognized what an important job it is. And I still feel the same way. I’m proud to… Continue reading
Imagine this scenario. It’s trash collection day in your neighborhood. You come home from work, park your car in the garage and head out to the street to get the mail and bring your Curby cart up to the garage. As you walk down the driveway, it suddenly hits you. That convenient, brown plastic workhorse,… Continue reading
What should I do if my cart smells? Can I get a replacement? Your Curby cart is bound to smell less than pleasant at some point. That’s what happens when you put trash in something. Though we don’t replace carts because they smell, we have a few suggestions for keeping your cart smelling fresher: Bag… Continue reading
Winter usually means quite a bit of snow and ice. Sometimes it means 60 degrees and raining, but that’s Michigan for you! Our goal is to provide outstanding service to all our customers, regardless of the weather and road conditions. The reality is that some days, we just won’t be able to meet that goal… Continue reading
Updated: 5/25/21 What do these items–plastic water bottle, magazine, window envelope and soup can—have in common? First of all, you probably have each of these items somewhere in your office. But more importantly, all of these items can be recycled in an office recycling program. You’re doing a great job of recycling at home. You’ve… Continue reading
Picture this scenario: You’ve been driving the same vehicle with the same tires for three or four years. The tires wear out. What do you do with them? Most of the time you won’t have a hard time getting rid of them because when you go to get new tires, you can just leave them… Continue reading
Occasionally, when you’re killing time looking through our website, checking out our Facebook page or driving by, you might see the name Granger Disposal Center. At the time, it may have puzzled you. Maybe you thought to yourself, “someday I need to find out more about these Disposal Centers.” Well today is that day. Keep reading for… Continue reading
Dear Customer:
Whether you’re a residential, commercial or industrial customer, based in Mt. Pleasant, Jackson, Lansing or any of the other fine communities we serve, this letter goes out to you.
There’s a saying people use when someone is involved in several different roles. That person is said to wear many hats. When it comes to community involvement, we here at Granger wear several different and varied types of hats. From casual to fancy, we have them all covered. Read on to learn more about our… Continue reading
In the past several years, Granger has experienced growth that’s unprecedented in our 50-year history. Today, we have 284 associates who work in various positions—technical, clerical, professional, field—you name it. These associates have found a home at Granger and we’re guessing a lot of you out there could too. But why would you want to?… Continue reading
The leaves are changing color and starting to fall and there’s a chill in the air. That can only mean one thing—football season is in full swing. And let’s face it, only half the fun of football is watching the game. Hanging out with friends and family, sharing good food and beverages at tailgate can… Continue reading
It’s no secret that safety is a top priority at Granger. Our goal is for every associate to return safely to their families after each day’s work. We do our best to equip them with the tools to perform their jobs safely every day and then send them out into the world to use these… Continue reading
Updated January 2021 You know how it goes. You spend the whole weekend working on the yard, only to end up with a huge pile of lawn clippings and multiple piles of leaves. Even though they make a good place for your kids to play, you probably don’t want to leave them there for long…. Continue reading
Plot Summary Last Thursday, Granger had the pleasure of sponsoring a Lansing Regional Chamber Economic Club Luncheon as part of our 50th Anniversary celebration. The program for the luncheon was a panel discussion, “The Impact of Family Business on the Economy.” And although family business is a serious topic, especially if you own or work for one, the way… Continue reading
Happy Birthday to the World’s Greatest Mascot, Captain CurbySM! Captain CurbySM, our loveable trash cart mascot, turns 33 today. We don’t like to brag, but when it comes to Curby, we can’t help it. We happen to think he’s the greatest mascot in the world, and here are some of our reasons: He looks great for… Continue reading
In celebration of Granger’s 50th anniversary, we wanted to share 50 interesting facts that help you better understand who we are and how we became the Granger you know today. Happy reading!
When last we left your recycling, it was on a truck headed away from Granger. The next part of the process is where all the magic happens—where that water bottle, piece of paper or cardboard box becomes something brand new. Recommended Read: Where in the World Does Your Recycling Go? (Part 1) It’s always our goal… Continue reading
If you’re a committed recycler, you probably spend a lot of time and effort on your recycling. You have the routine down—empty, rinse, repeat. You nag your kids when you see them throwing something away that can go in the recycling. (Or maybe they nag you.) If you’re taking your recycling to a drop-off center… Continue reading
Hey there, Granger blog readers! It’s time for a pop quiz. What do the following have in common? Envy eats nothing but its own heart. Faith is the ability to see God in the dark. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Love must be sincere. Hate what is… Continue reading
Did you ever think for a minute when you threw that banana peel away months ago that it might find a new life somewhere? Well, if you’re a Granger trash customer, much of your trash serves another purpose …
It’s great that many of you are taking advantage of the opportunity to RECYCLE MORE—either with curbside collection or at a drop-off center. But some of us are still a little confused about what we can throw in that Curby Recycler or tub or deliver to the drop-off center. Why does it matter? Well, putting materials into… Continue reading
Let’s get this out of the way first: What is an Automated Side Load (ASL)? Chances are you have seen one of our automated side load trucks around town, possibly even in your neighborhood.
Unlike the typical rear-load truck we use…
We’re celebrating National Garbage Man Week by featuring Granger associates who help us collect tomorrow’s energy. We might not all pick up trash here at Granger, but we’re all garbage men and women. Name: Meng Title: IT Systems & Project Manager How long have you worked at Granger? 1 year, 4 months What’s your favorite… Continue reading
We’re celebrating National Garbage Man Week by featuring Granger associates who help us collect tomorrow’s energy. We might not all pick up trash here at Granger, but we’re all garbage men and women. Name: Tim Title: Professional Driver How long have you worked at Granger? 3.5 years What’s your favorite part about working at Granger?… Continue reading
Each week, most of us probably put our trash out at the street and then forget about it completely. Someone picks up our trash, week after week, no matter how heavy or cumbersome or smelly it is. It’s our garbage men and women, and they serve a critical role in our communities. “At Granger, we’re… Continue reading