Columbia City Council to consider different recycling center location after backlash from residents

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been corrected to refer to the Columbia City Council.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Residents were not on board with the idea of building a recycling drop-off center on Oakland Gravel Road during an August public input meeting, so the city is looking at other options.

The Columbia City Council has decided to move forward with looking into other potential options for the recycling center. They will continue to gather information and public input before making a final site decision.

According to the council's agenda, 15 citizens attended the meeting and 31 comments were received with only three being in favor for the project.

A potential increase in traffic in the area and a decrease in property value in nearby neighbors were the main concerns expressed.

This is not the first time the public has not agreed with the project.

“We actually looked at this project a few years ago and got similar results from citizens that it was not a desirable location, not a desirable project,” Steve Hunt, the Columbia Solid Waste Assistant Director of Utilities told ABC 17 News. 

The public's opposition was also seen on the Be Heard section of the City of Columbia's website addressing the project. Some suggestions from the public include using already city-owned areas, potential other site suggestions and bringing back curbside pickup.

Curbside recycling pickup was halted back in May due to staff shortages.