Columbia ran out of city-provided trash bags earlier this week, which are required for all residents to use to dispose of their trash.
While the trash bag problem was resolved Tuesday with shipments of bags finally coming in, residents are frustrated by the lack of solutions and information provided by the city.
Matt Nestor, community relations specialist for the City of Columbia Utilities, said the shortage was due to supply chain issues with the vendor the city uses, WasteZero Inc.
The city uses a modified Pay as You Throw program to reduce the amount of waste put out by the community and to protect city staff. However, many residents find issues with the program.
Elizabeth Alexander, resident of Columbia since 2015, said the process the city uses for trash is not proactive.
“I shouldn’t have to drive all over town looking for a store that has the approved trash bags. I should be able to use the vouchers I’m provided when they are convenient for me to use,” Alexander said.
The modified version of the Pay as You Throw program requires vouchers issued by the city to purchase city-issued trash bags. The vouchers are mailed to all residential properties in January and in June. More can be requested as needed.
The city will not pick up trash in any other bag than the ones provided from the city, and the city’s website instructs residents on what to do if they run out of bags.
All trash placed on curbs must be in city-issued bags with the city logo. Residents may purchase additional bags from the city in rolls of five for $10. Otherwise, it is $2 per bag.
Extra blue bags for recycling may be obtained from the vendor WasteZero Inc. by calling 1-800-866-3954.
As far as what happens when the city runs out of bags, Nestor said this has not been an issue before and that the city is having conversations with the vendor to find a solution if the issues reoccurs in the future, but no solution has been announced at this time.
“I think the current system is a complete failure. From trash bag shortages, to frequently changing vouchers, to poor communication about changes, the whole thing is a mess,” Alexander said.
