City replaces trash bag delivery with voucher system

The amount of residential recycling that takes place in Columbia could be affected by the city’s new trash bag voucher system. Phoenix Recycling Inc. will produce, store and distribute bags for the city, and city Solid Waste Division workers will no longer deliver bags directly to residents’ yards or driveways.

On Dec. 10, residents in single-family households and structures of four units or less started receiving vouchers in the mail for black trash bags and blue recycling bags. The vouchers will be redeemable at local retail businesses. Businesses accepting the vouchers are listed on the city’s Web site at www.GoColumbiaMo.com (search: GoBagVoucher), and will also be listed on a flyer residents will receive with their voucher.

Residents will receive new vouchers each April, August and December, around the 10th of the month. New residents moving to Columbia will be sent a voucher within three weeks of signing up for city utilities. The city estimated the new turnkey delivery system will save taxpayers an estimated $262,000 annually, much of which will come from fewer bags being used.