Downtown Grand Rapids Rolls Out Clever New Can Shelves

If you’ve been downtown lately, you may have noticed something new on some of the garbage bins. Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. has started installing “can shelves,” little platforms where people can leave redeemable cans and bottles instead of tossing them in the trash.

They've partnered with Depositly on the project.

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What a good idea! No digging through garbage, fewer cans on the sidewalks, and a cleaner, more organized downtown for everyone.

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I wish more spots around Grand Rapids, like gas stations, had these nifty holders too!

About the initiative, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. says,

These simple additions attach to public trash bins, giving people a safe, dignified spot to deposit redeemable cans and bottles, no digging through trash required... It’s a small change with a big impact: cleaner streets, a more organized public space and more people benefiting from the deposit system.

These shelves are already popping up in key spots, and more are coming soon. It is the kind of small change that can have a noticeable impact. Walking down the street feels a little nicer when there is less litter, and the public spaces look more cared for.

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Next time you are walking downtown Grand Rapids, keep an eye out for the shelves. It is a small change, but it really is the kind of idea that just makes sense.

And yes, apparently someone at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. really likes Dr Pepper, but that is just a fun side note.