Kirkwood: We Want to Collect ALL the City's Trash by 2015

The City of Kirkwood is considering adding commercial trash and recycling pick-up accounts to its sanitation department over the next two years with the aim of providing all such collection services within the city by 2015.

At a Feb. 28 meeting, the city council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would amend city codes to prohibit private haulers from providing sanitation services starting April 2015. 

While Kirkwood has long had provided trash service to residents, it just began offering curbside recycling in 2011 and has only had commercial accounts on a very limited basis. Kirkwood City Manager Michael Brown explained the move in remarks prior to a public hearing on the city’s 2013-14 budget

It will require a substantial investment in new equipment at the onset, according to a draft version of the budget, but Brown said he believes it will be more cost effective for business and condominium residents in the long run.

In part, this is because the program is designed to contain incentives that will encourage environmental stewardship. Commercial accounts will be offered free recycling as part of the regular garbage pick-up services.

Since the rates are based primarily on the size of the trash dumpster and the number of time per week pick-up is required, Brown said businesses can save money by directing more waste toward recycling.