Columbia-branded trash and recycling bags are now mandatory; what you need to know

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia's "Pay as You Throw" trash and recycling program started Monday and requires all residential waste to be placed in city-logo bags.

According to the city of Columbia, the goal of the program is to "create a more equitable system" by still continuing to have customers pay a flat monthly rate. It requires residents who use more than the free bags to purchase more at local grocery stores at $10 for a roll of five bags.

City officials say the additional $2 fee per bag will cover the landfill disposal fee, employee salaries and vehicle maintenance.

Along with making the branded bags mandatory, the city requires each bag to weigh no more than 50 pounds. The city said the rule was put into place to "improve working conditions for staff by reducing the potential for excessive volumes of refuse to be placed at the curb for disposal." Bulk items also require a scheduled pickup of at least one week in advance.

According to the city, customers received vouchers to redeem bags in mid-January at City Hall, Gerbes, Hy-Vee, Menards, Moser’s and Schnucks. Residents were also allowed to pick up trash bags during a multi-day event at Cosmo Park.

Columbia's new model encourages residents to reduce, reuse and recycle. This includes the addition of a push for an increase in backyard composting. With these new goals in mind, the city plans to reduce curbside waste by around 6,000 tons annually.

For individuals who live in multi-family homes and apartment complexes, residents will need to sort out their recycling. Residents are not required to use a branded bag to put their trash in the complex trash bin.

The city also has an interactive app called "COMO Recycle and Trash," which allows residents to find out when recycling and trash are picked up, sign up to receive reminders and help residents identify which items are able to be recycled.