Wondering when your trash and recycling will be collected in Columbia, MO (also known as Como)? This guide provides full details on Como’s trash and recycling pickup schedule, including regular collection days, holiday schedules, and key information for residents.
Overview of Trash and Recycling Collection in Columbia, MO
The City of Columbia handles trash and recycling collection for residents through the Solid Waste Division. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:
- Trash collection occurs once per week
- Recycling collection happens every other week, alternating with trash weeks
- Collection days depend on your neighborhood
- Carts provided by the city must be used
- Extra trash requires special yellow city bags – no personal trash cans
The city supplies a 95-gallon trash cart and 95-gallon recycling cart to each eligible home. Larger families can get an additional free trash cart.
Finding Your Trash and Recycling Days
Trash and recycling pickup days are assigned by neighborhood in Columbia. To find your specific schedule:
- Visit the Trash Day Look Up page on the city website
- Enter your address
- Your collection days will be displayed
You can also check collection maps and schedules by neighborhood on the Trash Collection Maps page.
Regular Trash and Recycling Pickup Schedule
On your scheduled trash day each week, the city will collect:
- Waste in your trash cart
- Any extra trash in approved bags/cans with city stickers
- Bulk items like furniture at the curb
On alternate weeks from trash, the city will collect:
- Recyclables in your recycling cart
- Any overflow recycling placed in boxes next to your cart
So you can expect trash pickup one week, then recycling the next, alternating each week.
Holiday Collection Schedules
Trash and recycling pickup follows a revised schedule on certain holidays:
- New Year’s Day – No schedule change
- MLK Day – No schedule change
- Memorial Day – Pickups delayed by one day all week
- July 4th – No delay if on a weekday
- Labor Day – Pickups delayed by one day all week
- Thanksgiving – No pickup on Thanksgiving or Friday; one day delay rest of week
- Christmas Day – No delay if on a weekday
Check the holiday schedule for exact revised dates.
The landfill and drop-off centers may also have reduced hours on holidays. Verify hours on the holiday schedule.
Trash and Recycling Collection Guidelines
Follow these guidelines for proper trash and recycling pickup in Columbia:
Trash Cart
- Place at curb by 7AM on pickup day
- Lid opening must face street
- Do not overfill – lid must close completely
Recycling Cart
- Place at curb by 7AM on pickup day
- Do not bag recyclables – keep loose in cart
- Rinse food residue from containers
Extra Trash Bags/Cans
- Must have yellow city trash sticker
- Place next to cart
- Limit 10 extra bags/cans per pickup
Bulk Items
- Includes furniture, mattresses, appliances
- Place at curb next to trash cart
Hazardous Waste
- Chemicals, batteries, bulbs, electronics cannot go in normal trash – learn safe disposal
Yard Waste
- Grass, leaves, branches must be disposed of separately – learn more
Missed Pickups
- Report within 24 hours – file a report online or call (573) 874-6291
See the city website for full cart use guidelines for trash and recycling.
Special Collection Services
Columbia provides extra collection services in addition to regular pickup:
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Large Item Collection: For oversized items requiring special pickup. Fees apply based on item size. Schedule online.
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Extra Cart Rental: $2.50/month for extra trash or recycling carts. Request online.
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Back Door Service: Available for disabled residents unable to take carts to curb. Must provide documentation. Apply online.
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Electronics Recycling: Twice monthly drop-off collections available. View schedule and details.
Contact Info for Columbia’s Solid Waste Division
Contact the Solid Waste Division with any Como trash and recycling questions, requests, or issues:
Website: https://www.como.gov/utilities/columbias-solid-waste-utility/
Phone: (573) 874-6291
Email: [email protected]
Office Address:
City of Columbia Solid Waste Division
1315 Lakeview Avenue
Columbia, MO 65201
The Solid Waste Division website also has helpful info on Como trash and recycling like schedules, guidelines, lookup tools, and more.
Reference
https://www.como.gov/utilities/columbias-solid-waste-utility/single-family-home-trash-and-recycling/
https://www.como.gov/utilities/columbias-solid-waste-utility/holiday-recycling-and-trash-collection/