Columbia council leaders reviewed the results from the trash collection survey

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ.)

Columbia City Council leaders reviewed the results of a survey on trash pickup in the city during its Tuesday night work session.

During the meeting Council members were presented with the results from Columbia's Solid Waste Utility's roll cart survey. Council members offered feedback to the group, who will now prepare to present the meeting during the City's next City Council meeting.

Council members asked questions regarding the proposed plan to rent new garbage trucks, and how the group plans to roll out the changes and educate Columbia residents.

The survey shows that most people are open to roll carts, specifically younger crowds of people who use more trash in the city. Results show 69% of respondents are in favor of switching to roll carts. Those residents say the carts would be easier, and more cost-effective for the city and it would help keep the streets clean. 

However, the survey shows 25% of respondents are against automated systems. Those residents argue roll carts are, awkward, clumsy, ugly, and too costly. 

If roll carts are approved the city would offer three cart sizes with varying monthly costs per residency:

• 35-gallon cart: $12.87 per month
• 65-gallon cart: $1737 per month
• 95-gallon cart: $22.50 per month

Residents are encouraged to use carts based on how much trash they produce on a weekly basis. Residents who produce a large amount of trash a week are encouraged to get a 95-gallon cart.

Additional 95-gallon carts can be added as well with a monthly charge of $13.50 per month, for households who may need the extra cart.

Residents would be allowed to request additional roll cart pick-ups as well. Each additional pick-up will be an additional cost of:

35 gallon: $7.70 per collection
65 gallon: $12.20 per collection
95 gallon: $16.70 per collection

Solid Waste says if roll carts are approved, the community will be educated on the new system to avoid fears and concerns about the change. 

The next City Council meeting will be held on Monday, March 8th at 7:00 p.m. Solid waste will present the new ordinances to the Council where members of the public will be allowed to comment on the changes.

Watch a livestream of the meeting: