An explosion occurred inside the baler at the Kent County Recycling & Education Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan, the morning of June 22, 2017. The explosion was caused by three small 1-pound propane cylinders. One Kent County staff person was taken for medical observation and the Grand Rapids Fire Department was dispatched.
Recycling center officials say, though they’re considered disposable, small camping-style propane cylinders are not recyclable. Propane tanks of all sizes should be brought for safe disposal to any of these locations:
- South Kent Recycling & Waste Center, Byron Center;
- North Kent Recycling & Waste Center, Rockford; or
- any of Kent County’s SafeChem household hazardous waste drop-off centers, listed at www.accesskent.com/waste.
Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) is working closely with Grand Rapids Fire Prevention Bureau.
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