Columbia City Council approves roll carts at meeting

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

After years of heated debates, Columbia is finally getting roll carts.

The Columbia City Council unanimously approved amending Chapter 22 of the City Code as it relates to residential curbside refuse collection.

Any changes would not happen until at least March 4, 2024, in order for the city to buy trucks and update current software, one council member said during the meeting.

Several people voiced concerns for and against the age-old issue in the city. A recent survey conducted indicates most Columbia residents are in favor of converting to an automated collection system with roll carts.

Following the work session, Solid Waste is asking to make changes to the ordinance. This comes after the City Council voted in December to end its city-logo bag program.

All residential curbside residents would receive a trash collection roll cart. Residents would have the option of a 35-gallon, 64-gallon or 95- gallon each varying in price:

• 35-gallon: $12.87 per month
• 65-gallon: $17.37 per month
• 95-gallon: $22.50 per month

A number of people who spoke during public comment asked the city to consider exceptions to prices for people who have disabilities.

Members of the public who have physical limitations would be able to request the option for house collection. The City offered assistance with its current collection plan and will continue to do so with the new plan.

Carts would need to be placed on the public curb or alley no earlier than 4 p.m. the day before collection, and no later than 6:30 a.m. the day of collection.

Carts would need to be removed from the curb or alley no later than 10 p.m. on the day of collection.