Two Columbia recycling drop-offs closing next week

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two recycling drop-off sites in the parking lots of Columbia grocery stores will close next week because of misuse, the city said in a news release Friday.

The drop-off centers are Moser's stores at 900 N. Keene St. and 705 Business Loop 70 W. will close Wednesday, according to the release.

"The increased use of the facilities and the improper disposal of material at the drop-off centers have resulted in the site being harmful to Moser's primary business," the city said in the news release.

The city warned residents in March against misusing the drop-off sites, saying people were illegally dumping trash there. Recycling drop-off centers regularly overflowed starting last year amid suspensions in city residential recycling pickup that were attributed to staffing problems. Residential pickup has since resumed.

The city warned of more possible closures in its release Friday.

"The City of Columbia would like to remind residents that improper use of the recycling drop-off sites is damaging to the City's relationship with its community partners," the city said. "Should more of the City's partners withdraw their commitment to providing space for recycling centers, it will reduce the availability of those resources and services for all of our citizens."