Our Opinion: Disposal center marks another progressive step

Cost and convenience are two key components when it comes to waste disposal and recycling.

Jefferson City - in conjunction with Cole County and Allied Waste Services - have created another convenient, no-cost opportunity for responsible disposal of unwanted items - in this case, household hazardous waste.

Beginning today, a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will open at 2310 Hyde Park Road. Both city and county residents may call 634-6564 to schedule appointments between the hours of 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from March through October. The center will be closed November through February.

Spring cleaning is likely to unveil nearly empty paint cans, wood stains, pesticides and motor oil, as well as dead batteries, dried caulk and other items.

Those are among the hazardous items accepted at the center. A complete list is available at the city's website: www.jeffcitymo org.

The center is funded in part by a grant from the Mid-Missouri Solid Waste Management District and approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Add the hazardous waste collection center to other resources offered for the appropriate disposal and recycling of unwanted materials.

Jefferson City residents now picking up limbs and bagging leftover fall leaves may take them to the yard waste drop-off location at All Seasons Home and Lawn Care, 2417 Southridge Dr. There is no charge for city residents.

Hours of operations are: 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

In addition, purple bins for glass recycling are located at 1228 E. McCarty St. and 722 Dix Road.

Single-stream, curbside recycling for many other recyclables - including paper, cardboard, plastic and aluminum cans - is part of the city's trash service contract with Allied Waste.

Whether the service remains mandatory will be decided by a citywide vote on April 5, but that is a topic for another day.

Progress and planning for the future of our community have been a focal point of much energy and effort.

Affordability and convenience create incentives for people to participate in responsible waste disposal and recycling, which are vital to community progress.

We congratulate the city and county for another progressive step.