City of Springfield seeks public input on trash and recycling

(From the City of Springfield)

Springfield residents are encouraged to complete an online public input survey regarding trash and recycling collection within the city limits. This survey seeks to gather information on current collection services offered as well as residents’ preferences and concerns.

Visit www.springfieldmo.gov/trashstudy to learn more and participate in the survey.

A second public open house will be held 5:30 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 11 at the Library Station Sante Fe Room (2535 N. Kansas Expy.). This is another opportunity for the public to learn about the trash and recycling study and provide input.  

Information from the survey and open house session will be compiled as part of the public input process for the ongoing Trash and Recycling Collection Efficiency Study. Overall findings and recommendations from this study will be presented to City Council in early 2017.

About the Trash and Recycling Collection Study

Trash collection in Springfield is currently performed by 12 - 15 private trash hauling companies under an open-market system. The City does not provide trash collection services.

Following interest from the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) as well as direction from City Council to investigate trash collection issues such as noise, safety, congestion and wear-and-tear on streets, City staff analyzed the current collection system and compared it to other programs in benchmark cities throughout the country.

To gain assistance in studying the current system on a more detailed level and to gain input from a larger group of stakeholders, the City hired civil engineering firm Burns and McDonnell. 

Burns and McDonnell will work as an extension of City staff to identify potential options for improving the efficiency and long-term viability of trash collection services within the City’s Integrated Solid Waste Management System (SWMS).

Burns and McDonnell will evaluate the options to help the City better understand how best to accomplish the following objectives:

• More efficient trash and recycling collection – Organize collection services to improve efficiencies to reduce vehicular traffic.
• Enhanced community programs and services – Support neighborhood clean-ups, improved recycling programs, enhanced education, and better access to services throughout community.
• Consistent services and rates – Provide uniform services and rates throughout the community. Expand services such as curbside recycling, bulky item pickup, and yard waste collection. 
• Community benefits – Reduce noise, traffic flow and wear-and-tear on infrastructure. Create safer and cleaner streets and neighborhoods.
• Environmental benefits – Reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. Lower demand for natural resources and landfill space through increased diversion rates.
• Protect existing haulers – Recognize the existing service providers operating in the City and seek their input and protect their interests where possible.
• Ensure stability for current Solid Waste Management System programming – Provide consistent funding to continue existing services and programs that benefit the community. 

### For more information, please contact Kristen Milam at (573) 819-3713 or kmilam@springfieldmo.gov or Erick Roberts at 417-864-2001 or eroberts@springfieldmo.gov.

Visit www.springfieldmo.gov/trashstudy.