The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) has hired a new waste reduction educator to help residents and businesses reduce and repurpose waste.
Micah Herrboldt started his new position at the DPW this month after working as a teacher in Grand Rapids Public Schools, where he taught environmental science. As a passionate educator, Herrboldt is looking forward to teaching people of all ages the best practices on recycling, repurposing and reducing waste.
“I’m excited to get started at the DPW and teach about environmental stewardship on a grander scale,” Herrboldt said. “As a waste reduction educator, I’ll be able to directly show Kent County residents how their waste and recycling practices can have a positive impact on our community and reduce waste going to landfills.”
Herrboldt earned a master’s degree in Natural Science and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Wyoming. He began his teaching career out west before moving his family to Grand Rapids in 2016. Working at Grand Rapids Public Schools, Herrboldt planned and taught lessons in environmental science, collaborating with community partners to teach students about protecting our air, land and the Great Lakes.
Herrboldt joins a team of waste reduction and resource recovery specialists at the DPW. He will lead tours of the DPW’s three main facilities, as well as efforts to increase recycling and waste reduction awareness for Kent County businesses and residents. In addition to these guided tours, the DPW’s Recycling and Education Center has free, open hours every Monday from 9 a.m.-noon for self-guided tours during which residents can learn more about recycling and waste disposal in Kent County.
“We’re happy to welcome Micah to the DPW team and gain from his expertise in environmental stewardship to increase recycling and improve our landfill diversion rate,” said Dar Baas, director of the DPW. “Our waste reduction educators are a huge help in progressing toward our goal of reducing landfill waste by 90% by 2030.”
The Kent County Department of Public Works provides municipal solid waste disposal services to ensure the effective removal, storage and disposal of residential and commercial solid waste through various facilities and programs, including Waste-to-Energy, Recycling and Education Center, North Kent Transfer Station and South Kent Landfill.
