AROUND COMO
Navigating Columbia nn BY ANGELA HUHMAN
M OV IN G TO A N EW CI TY HAS I TS CHALLEN G ES. AS YOU’RE U N PACKI N G BOXES AN D N AVI G ATI N G N EW STREETS TO FIND T H E GROCERY STORE, HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR CI TY’ S S YST EM S TO M AKE SETTLI N G I N A LI TTLE EASI ER.
New residents moving to Columbia will automatically receive a voucher within three weeks of signing up for City of Columbia utilities. The vouchers can be redeemed at most local grocery stores for blue recycling and black trash bags, complimentary. If you expected to receive a bag voucher and did not, please contact WasteZero Inc. at 1-800-866-3954. • Columbia uses a dual-stream recycle system, which means “Fiber” (paper, cardboard, newspaper) and “Containers” (plastic No. 1 to 7, glass, aluminum) are collected separately. For curbside customers, containers must be placed in the blue bags, while fibers need to be broken down and placed in a paper bag or box. Piles should be clearly separated at the curb. • Items such as demolition debris, automotive parts, hazardous materials, whole tires and felled trees cannot be collected with regular refuse. For disposal options, call 573-874-CITY(2489). • To arrange a free pickup of oversized items, call the Contact Center or complete the online request form at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled collection day. This includes bulky items such as furniture and carpet (cut in lengths of 4 feet and in rolls not to exceed 2 feet in diameter). For more information, call 573-874-CITY(2489). • Major appliances — washer, dryer, range, freezer, dehumidifier, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, water heater, air conditioner, trash compactor, conventional oven — will be picked up on your regular collection day. Call 573-874-CITY at least 24 hours before, or submit your request online at least 48 hours before your regular trash day. The appliance will need to be curbside by 7:30 a.m., and an additional fee will be added to your monthly utility bill.
Yard Waste Collection • When possible, leaves, grass, twigs and small branches should be dropped off at a yard waste site. Alternatively, they may be placed in a bag by the curb on your regular collection day and taken to the landfill. • Limbs must be bundled and should not exceed 4 feet in length, 2 feet in diameter and 50 pounds per bundle.
Residential Recycling Drop-off Containers • Residential recycling drop-off containers accept the same recyclable items that may be placed curbside. • Please do not deposit plastic shopping bags in the drop-off containers.
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off • Columbia residents may take their household hazardous waste products to the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Facility at 1313 Lakeview. • The facility is only open on the first and third Saturdays April through November, 8 a.m. to noon. • No hazardous products are collected curbside. • If your paint can is empty or the paint is completely dry, you can throw it away. To dry any remaining paint, leave the lid off for a couple of days, or use kitty litter to absorb the excess paint. Then throw the can away.
Questions about solid waste or recycling? Call the City of Columbia at 573-874-CITY(2489). Unsure of what recycling goes where or when to leave materials for curbside pickup? Download the COMO Recycle and Trash app to see directions on how to properly dispose of certain items. Enter your address to receive reminders the day prior to pickup, including any holiday schedule adjustments. 12
R E LO C AT I N G I N C O LU M B I A
City of Columbia
