City to Hold Drive-Thru Trash Bag Voucher Exchange at Cosmo Park

(COLUMBIA, MO) - The City of Columbia Utilities Services is hosting a contactless drive-through exchange for garbage bag vouchers from Jan. 19 through Jan. 23 at the Parks Management Center in Cosmo Park.

In accordance with new guidelines approved by the City Council in September, the City's Solid Waste Utility will require that all bags placed curbside for residential trash collection needs to be in a City-issued bag with the City logo. The new regulations go into effect Feb. 1. Residents will receive vouchers for 104 trash bags each year with extra bags available for purchase, if needed.

Because of the ongoing pandemic, the City will set up a contactless drive-through event to allow residents the opportunity to redeem their vouchers without going into a store. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday Jan. 19 through  Friday Jan. 22 and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 23.

The vouchers for residential customers are scheduled to be mailed on Monday, Jan. 11. 

Bags will also be available at Gerbes, Hy-Vee, Menards, Moser's, Schnucks and City Hall.

The City of Columbia’s model was implemented in order to improve working conditions for City staff by reducing the potential for large volumes of refuse and large bulky items being placed at the curb for collection.

A media availability with Solid Waste manager Steve Hunt and Director of Utilities Dave Sorrell will be announced shortly.

Location: 1507 Business Loop 70 West