How long will it take to reestablish Columbia’s recycling program? Council will discuss

Columbia could reestablish its Materials Recovery Facility for recycling within 18 months to two years. It’s a multimillion-dollar project, though.

The facility was flattened by heavy rain and wind in April, causing recycling services to be suspended indefinitely. Since then, residents have been urged to continue to follow their typical curbside recycling and trash schedules even though recycling has been going to the landfill.

The Columbia City Council during a work session Monday, June 2, will hear a report from RRT Design and Construction. This is the city’s consultant that studied the city’s recycling service in 2023 and provided input on program changes or upgrades in early 2024.

Based on presentation materials posted online, the city is looking at three potential scenarios: build a new dual stream MRF on the existing site (one side handles plastics, while the other paper and fiber); build a new MRF adjacent to the existing site at the Landfill Operations Center site; or build a new MRF on the gravel lot west of the solid waste administration building. All three scenarios cost more than $20 million and as much as $26 million.

There still is an option to no longer process recyclables in Columbia and instead transfer them to St. Louis. A final potential is the creation of a multi-material environmental center. Not only could this type of facility handle recycling, but also household hazardous waste and is described as a “one-stop shop.” Examples of MMECs in Olmstead County, Minnesota; Tampa, Florida; and Charlottesville, Virginia were provided.

Returning the city to an MRF model is estimated to take 18 months so long as it’s done in fabric-wrapped structure. A more permanent structure would take up to 30 months.

A temporary transfer station could be set up sooner, with an eventual permanent station within a year. This is taking recyclables to St. Louis.

The MMEC could take anywhere from 18 to 24 months.

More: Columbia residents urged to keep up with trash, recycling habit

Recognizing Lisa Meyer, welcoming Erin Keys as utilities director

Ward 2 council member Lisa Meyer’s official last day on the council was May 16. The council plans to recognize her year of service at the start of the council’s regular session Monday. Meyer resigned her post over health reasons.

Special items also will allow for the swearing-in of Erin Keys as utilities director, who already was on the job in this capacity as of May 25. She previously was the interim director and has at least 30 years experience with the city.

More: A look back at Columbia’s recycling timeline

Park improvements

Columbia Parks and Recreation seeks a master plan update from the council for Twin Lakes Recreation Area, using $350,000 in parks sales tax funding for improvement projects.

This includes the installation of a new playground, shelter renovations, parking lot renovations and multiple dog park improvements, a staff memo noted.

Parks and Recreation staff and a contractor are expected to complete work. Dog park improvements include adding shade structures and growing its size by five acres.