Solid Waste provides more updates on recycling

As the City of Columbia Solid Waste Utility continues to reestablish its recycling program, the Utility is excited to announce that it is now recycling mixed fibers and diverting that material away from the landfill.

Solid Waste began baling and selling mixed fiber materials in November. This marks another important step forward following the destruction of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in an April 2025 tornado.

To recycle mixed fibers, residents should bundle the material in a box or a paper bag and place the bundle curbside on their regularly scheduled recycling collection day. Customers can verify their schedule by entering their address into the Utility's Recycling Routes Map.

The Utility's goal is to collect the material curbside and bale it the same day.

Weather conditions such as wind or rain will impact the recyclability of the materials and Solid Waste's ability to bale and sell the material.

In December, the Columbia City Council approved the Solid Waste Utility to proceed with a request for proposal on the design and construction of a pre-engineered metal building on the MRF site.

The estimate for the work is $3.6 million to be paid from Solid Waste capital funds, insurance proceeds and enterprise revenue.

The building will not only replace the original building, it will also be built to meet the future needs of the City due to factors such as population growth, increased recycling participation or upgraded sorting equipment.

Materials that the City CAN recycle include:

• Corrugated cardboard*
• Newspaper
• Paper bags
• Office paper
• Magazines
• Envelopes
• Chipboard
  * Customers should flatten boxes and remove plastic wraps and liners.

Materials that the City CANNOT recycle include:

• Foam packaging
• Milk/ice cream cartons
• Paper plates, paper cups,
• Paper towels, paper napkins
• Hardcover books
• Wax paper, parchment paper