Missouri Waste Management Guide 2025

Missouri Waste Management Industry Overview

Missouri generates approximately 8.5 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, serving a population of 6.2 million residents. The state operates 42 active municipal solid waste landfills, 18 materials recovery facilities (MRFs), and extensive private hauler infrastructure serving both urban corridors and rural farming communities.

State Waste Laws & Regulations

Missouri takes a moderate regulatory approach with county-level planning and voluntary state programs:

• Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Solid Waste Management Program regulates facilities, enforces disposal laws, provides technical assistance and grants for local programs.
• No Statewide Recycling Mandate: Missouri does not require residential or commercial recycling. Local governments set policies. 32% state recycling rate (2023) - moderate compared to national average of 35%. Urban areas drive most diversion.
• Missouri Revised Statutes §260.200: Solid Waste Management Law requires counties to develop comprehensive solid waste management plans. Plans must address waste reduction strategies, recycling opportunities, disposal capacity analysis, and cost projections. Regional planning encouraged for efficiency.
• Local Authority: Kansas City and St. Louis operate extensive voluntary recycling programs. Some municipalities require commercial recycling for large generators. Counties set landfill regulations and collection requirements.
• E-Waste Programs: Voluntary manufacturer take-back programs. No state e-waste disposal ban. County collection events provide free electronics recycling for residents.
• Mississippi River Considerations: Eastern Missouri faces additional environmental oversight due to Mississippi River watershed. Landfill siting restrictions near river corridors. Stormwater management requirements to protect water quality.

Cost Analysis

Missouri waste costs are 5-10% below national averages in metro areas, with rural costs 20-30% lower due to competitive markets and adequate disposal capacity. The two major metros (Kansas City and St. Louis) have similar pricing structures, while rural areas benefit from lower operational costs.

Regional Cost Factors

• Kansas City Metro: $38-$50/month residential. City Environmental Management provides service in KCMO proper ($42/month average). Automated cart collection. Johnson County (KS side) and surrounding Missouri counties use private haulers. Growing recycling participation.
• St. Louis City/County: $40-$52/month. City Refuse Division serves St. Louis proper ($44/month average). St. Louis County has competitive private hauler market. Higher costs reflect aging infrastructure and union labor rates.
• Springfield/Greene County: $32-$42/month. Mix of city contracts and private service. Republic Services dominant provider. Lower costs than major metros reflect smaller market scale.
• Columbia/Boone County: $34-$45/month. University of Missouri (Mizzou) drives sustainability programs and recycling culture. City contracts with private haulers. Moderate costs reflect college town demographics.
• St. Joseph, Joplin, Jefferson City: $30-$40/month. Regional markets with local and national haulers. Franchise agreements common. Lower costs than KC/STL.
• Rural Missouri: $28-$36/month. Private haulers serve farming communities and small towns. Longer routes increase costs but competitive markets keep prices moderate. Some counties use transfer stations to reduce haul distances.

Major Waste Service Providers

National Haulers

• Republic Services: Largest Missouri operator. Dominant in Kansas City metro, Springfield, Columbia. Owns multiple Missouri landfills including KC-area and Springfield facilities. Serves residential and commercial customers statewide.
• Waste Management (WM): Strong St. Louis metro presence. Operates landfills in St. Louis County and surrounding areas. Growing Kansas City market share. Extensive commercial service network.
• Meridian Waste: Expanding Missouri footprint through acquisitions. Serves St. Louis suburbs, mid-Missouri markets. Regional operator with national backing.
• Waste Connections: Growing presence in rural Missouri and smaller cities. Serves residential and commercial customers through regional operations.

Regional/Local Operators

• Groot Industries: Illinois-based hauler serving eastern Missouri communities near St. Louis. Strong customer service reputation.
• Deffenbaugh Industries (now Republic): Historic Kansas City hauler acquired by Republic Services. Legacy operations integrated into Republic network maintaining local brand recognition.
• Local Independent Haulers: Many Missouri counties have family-owned regional haulers serving specific territories. Often provide personalized service, flexible scheduling, and competitive rates in rural markets.

Municipal Services

• Kansas City Environmental Management Division: Provides residential trash and recycling service to most Kansas City, MO addresses. Automated cart collection. Blue recycling carts available. (816) 513-1313.
• St. Louis Refuse Division: City provides service to St. Louis proper. Twice-weekly trash collection. Blue recycling bins available on request. (314) 353-8400.
• Springfield Solid Waste: City manages contracts with private haulers (primarily Republic Services). Coordinated service. (417) 864-1904.

Recycling Programs

Curbside Recycling Availability

Most Missouri cities offer voluntary curbside recycling, with participation varying by region:

• Kansas City: Blue cart recycling program. Single-stream recycling. Bi-weekly collection in most areas. Automated collection. Participation ~40%. Materials processed at local MRF. Free recycling drop-off centers at city convenience centers.
• St. Louis City: Blue bin curbside recycling. Weekly collection. Single-stream system. Participation ~35%. Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) processes recyclables. Free drop-off at city recycling centers.
• St. Louis County: Private haulers offer recycling as standard or add-on service. Single-stream bins/carts. Participation varies by municipality. County promotes recycling through education campaigns.
• Springfield: Curbside recycling through Republic Services. Single-stream collection. Weekly or bi-weekly service depending on subscription. Moderate participation rates.
• Columbia: Recycling available through city-contracted haulers. University of Missouri (Mizzou) drives high student participation. City-wide programs expanding. Boone County operates drop-off recycling centers.
• Smaller Cities: Varies widely. Some offer curbside through franchised haulers, others drop-off only. Rural areas often lack infrastructure but county convenience centers fill gaps.

Commonly Accepted Recyclables

• Paper/Cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail, cardboard boxes (flattened), paperboard packaging, phone books.
• Containers: Plastic bottles/jugs (#1 PETE, #2 HDPE standard; #3-7 varies by hauler), glass bottles/jars (all colors), aluminum cans, steel/tin cans, drink cartons (Tetra Pak).
• NOT Accepted: Plastic bags (major contamination issue - return to grocery stores), Styrofoam/polystyrene, food waste, yard waste (separate programs), electronics, batteries, hazardous materials, textiles, ceramics.
• Local Variations: Check with your hauler or city. MRF capabilities and commodity markets vary. Contamination concerns have tightened acceptance standards in some areas.

University Recycling Programs

• University of Missouri (Mizzou) - Columbia: Comprehensive campus recycling. Single-stream bins across campus. Move-out donation drives. Composting pilots. Student sustainability initiatives. Influences Columbia city programs.
• University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC): Campus recycling programs. Student environmental groups. Community outreach and education.
• Washington University (St. Louis): Extensive sustainability programs. Campus-wide recycling and composting. Zero waste event guidelines. Research partnerships with St. Louis waste initiatives.
• Missouri State University (Springfield): Growing recycling programs. Student engagement in sustainability. Campus convenience drives local participation.

Drop-off Recycling Centers

• Kansas City: Household Hazardous Waste/recycling facilities at multiple locations. Accept recyclables, e-waste, HHW. Free for residents with ID.
• St. Louis: City and county recycling drop-off centers. Free for residents. Accept standard recyclables plus some special materials.
• Rural Counties: Many operate drop-off recycling sites at convenience centers, transfer stations, or landfills. Free for county residents. Hours vary (often Sat only).

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Kansas City Metro Programs

• Kansas City, MO Household Hazardous Waste Facilities: Multiple metro locations. Open Saturdays (hours vary by location). Free for KCMO residents with proof of address. (816) 513-1313. Accepted: paint, chemicals, batteries, electronics, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, propane tanks.
• Johnson County (Kansas side): Johnson County Environmental facilities serve Kansas side of metro. Cross-state coordination for regional coverage.
• Clay, Platte, Jackson Counties: Suburban counties host seasonal HHW collection events. Pre-registration often required. Check county websites for schedules.

St. Louis Metro Programs

• St. Louis City HHW Center: 5760 Gravois Ave. Seasonal hours (typically spring-fall Saturdays). Free for city residents. (314) 353-8400. Full range of HHW accepted.
• St. Louis County: County operates HHW collection events at various locations. Spring and fall typically. Pre-registration may be required. (314) 615-5959.
• St. Charles County: Seasonal HHW events. Serves growing suburban communities west of St. Louis. Check county website for schedules.

Other Major Cities

• Springfield/Greene County: Greene County Environmental Center, 2720 W. Chesterfield Blvd. HHW collection events (seasonal). Free for residents. (417) 868-4464.
• Columbia/Boone County: Boone County Resource Management, 5551 Enos Smith Dr. HHW facility with seasonal hours. Free for residents. (573) 886-4711. Also electronics recycling.
• Jefferson City/Cole County: Seasonal HHW collection events. State capital area programs. Check city/county for schedules.
• Rural Counties: Most Missouri counties host annual or semi-annual HHW collection days. Free for residents with proof of county residency. Contact county solid waste office for schedules and accepted materials.

Commonly Accepted HHW Items

• Paint, stain, varnish, lacquer, solvents, thinners
• Household cleaners, chemicals, acids, bases
• Pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides
• Motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze
• Car batteries, household batteries (all types)
• Fluorescent bulbs, CFLs, mercury thermometers
• Electronics, computers, TVs, monitors
• Propane tanks, pool chemicals, fertilizers

E-Waste & Electronics Recycling

Missouri has no state e-waste disposal ban but offers collection options statewide:

• County Collection Events: Most major counties accept e-waste at HHW events or year-round facilities. Free for residents with ID. Includes computers, TVs, monitors, printers, phones, tablets.
• Retailer Take-Back Programs: Best Buy accepts electronics at Missouri stores (free for small items, $30 fee for large TVs/appliances). Staples accepts electronics for recycling. Some limitations on quantities.
• Manufacturer Programs: Dell, HP, Apple, Samsung offer mail-back or trade-in programs. Check manufacturer websites for details and prepaid shipping labels.
• Certified Recyclers: Use e-Stewards or R2 certified recyclers for data security and responsible processing. Search certifications online for Missouri facilities.
• Nonprofit Programs: Goodwill Missouri accepts working electronics for resale/recycling at donation centers. PCs for People refurbishes computers for low-income families.
• Scrap Value: Some recyclers pay for copper-rich electronics (computer towers, power supplies, transformers). Call ahead to confirm accepted items and pricing.

Bulky Item Collection

Bulky waste programs vary across Missouri cities:

• Kansas City: Bulky item collection available through Environmental Management Division. Call (816) 513-1313 to schedule pickup. Items include furniture, appliances, mattresses. May require appointment and fees for some items.
• St. Louis City: Bulk waste pickup through Refuse Division. Call (314) 353-8400 for scheduling. Set out on designated collection day. Includes furniture, appliances (remove doors), carpet.
• Springfield: Bulky pickup through Republic Services for customers. Additional fees may apply. Call hauler to schedule. City residents may use drop-off locations.
• Columbia: Contact your hauler for bulky pickup policies. Some include in service, others charge per-item fees. City convenience centers accept bulky items for residents.
• Appliance Disposal: Refrigerators, AC units must have refrigerant removed (EPA requirement). Many haulers offer appliance-specific pickup. Some scrap yards pay for metal appliances.
• Drop-off Options: Kansas City, St. Louis, and many counties operate convenience centers accepting bulky items. Free or low-cost disposal for residents. Hours vary (often Sat only).

Yard Waste & Organics

Missouri's climate generates significant seasonal yard waste, especially in fall:

Seasonal Collection Programs

• Kansas City: Spring and fall brush collection. Set out loose brush at curb during designated weeks. Also year-round yard waste drop-off at city facilities. Leaves collected in fall. Composted at city facility.
• St. Louis City: Leaf collection program in fall. Set out leaves in paper bags or loose at curb. Spring brush collection. Materials composted and mulch made available to residents.
• Springfield: Seasonal yard waste collection through haulers. Spring-fall availability. Set out in paper bags, bundled, or in designated containers. Check with hauler for schedules.
• Columbia: Year-round yard waste collection through haulers. Bagged or bundled alongside regular collection. City composting facility processes materials.
• Smaller Cities: Most offer seasonal leaf/brush collection. Varies widely - some weekly spring-fall, others special collection events. Check with city public works.

Processing & Mulch Programs

• Municipal Composting: Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia, Springfield operate yard waste composting facilities. Leaves, grass, brush ground and composted.
• Free Mulch: Many cities offer free mulch to residents at composting facilities or convenience centers. Seasonal availability (spring typically). Bring your own containers/truck.
• Residential Composting: Growing interest in backyard composting. Some cities offer discounted compost bins for residents. Master Gardener programs provide education.
• Drop-off Sites: Year-round yard waste drop-off at many city/county facilities. Free for residents. Accepts leaves, grass clippings, branches (diameter limits vary).

Agricultural Waste Management

Missouri is a major farming state (row crops, livestock), creating unique agricultural waste challenges:

• Agricultural Exemptions: Farms are generally exempt from municipal solid waste regulations. Operate under separate agricultural waste management rules administered by Missouri Department of Agriculture and DNR.
• Livestock Waste: Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) regulated by DNR. Manure management plans required. Lagoons, spreading on fields common. Nutrient management to prevent water pollution.
• Crop Residue: Corn stalks, soybean stubble typically left in field or tilled under. Straw baled for livestock bedding/feed. Minimal disposal needs.
• Ag Plastic Recycling: Growing programs for ag plastic film, pesticide containers, drip tape. Missouri Farm Bureau and University of Missouri Extension offer collection events and information.
• Dead Livestock Disposal: Rendering, burial on farm, or incineration. Regulated by Missouri Department of Agriculture. Proper disposal prevents disease spread and environmental contamination.
• Farm Chemical Containers: Pesticide/fertilizer containers require triple-rinsing. Recycling programs through ag chemical dealers. Some county HHW events accept ag chemicals from small farms.

Tornado & Storm Debris Management

Missouri experiences frequent severe weather, requiring coordinated disaster debris response:

Pre-Disaster Planning

• County Emergency Plans: Missouri counties maintain disaster debris management plans as part of emergency operations. Pre-identify temporary debris storage sites (TDSR), hauling routes, processing methods.
• FEMA Coordination: Major disasters trigger FEMA Public Assistance funding for debris removal. Counties must follow strict documentation requirements for reimbursement.
• Mutual Aid Agreements: Counties and haulers maintain mutual aid agreements to share equipment and personnel during emergencies.

Post-Disaster Response

• Curbside Collection: After tornadoes/severe storms, cities often suspend regular collection to focus on debris removal. Residents set out storm debris (trees, damaged structures, appliances) at curb.
• Debris Sorting: Separated into categories: vegetative (trees, branches), construction/demolition (lumber, roofing, drywall), white goods (appliances), hazardous materials, electronics. Different processing for each stream.
• Temporary Sites: Large-scale events require temporary debris staging and reduction sites. Vegetative debris chipped/ground. C&D debris sorted for recycling or disposal. Sites decommissioned after cleanup.
• Historic Events: Joplin tornado (2011) generated massive debris requiring months-long cleanup. Kansas City, St. Louis metro areas frequently affected by severe storms. State coordinates multi-county responses.
• Homeowner Information: After disasters, cities publish debris collection schedules, sorting requirements, prohibited items (hazardous waste, white goods may require separate pickup). Local media and websites primary communication channels.

Kansas City vs. St. Louis Differences

Missouri's two major metros have distinct waste management characteristics:

Kansas City Metro

• Service Model: City Environmental Management provides municipal service in Kansas City, MO. Suburban counties (Clay, Platte, Jackson outside KCMO) use private competitive markets.
• Bi-State Coordination: Kansas City metro spans Missouri/Kansas border. Johnson County (KS) has different regulations but shared haulers and facilities create integrated market.
• Infrastructure: Republic Services dominant. Multiple landfills in metro area. MRFs process recyclables. Growing market with suburban expansion.
• Costs: Slightly lower than St. Louis due to newer infrastructure and competitive suburban markets. City service averages $42/month.
• Recycling: ~40% curbside recycling participation. Blue cart program. Single-stream processing. Moderate contamination rates.

St. Louis Metro

• Service Model: St. Louis City Refuse Division provides municipal service in city proper. St. Louis County highly competitive private market with numerous haulers.
• Fragmented Market: St. Louis County has 90+ municipalities, each setting own policies. Creates complex patchwork of regulations and service providers.
• Infrastructure: Waste Management strong presence. Multiple landfills in region. Aging city infrastructure requires ongoing investment. MRFs serve metro area.
• Costs: Slightly higher than Kansas City due to older infrastructure, higher labor costs (union workforce), and fragmented county markets. City service averages $44/month.
• Recycling: ~35% participation. Blue bin program in city. County participation varies by municipality. Some affluent suburbs have high rates, others minimal programs.

Similarities

• Both metros face Mississippi River environmental oversight (St. Louis) or Missouri River considerations (Kansas City)
• Similar costs overall with $40-45/month residential averages
• Both operate HHW collection facilities and recycling programs
• Similar climate and seasonal yard waste volumes
• Both served by national haulers (Republic, Waste Management, Waste Connections)

River City Environmental Rules

Missouri's rivers, especially the Mississippi and Missouri, create additional environmental considerations:

Mississippi River Corridor (Eastern Missouri)

• Landfill Siting Restrictions: Strict setbacks from Mississippi River and tributaries. Floodplain restrictions prevent landfill development in high-risk areas. DNR requires extensive hydrogeological studies.
• Groundwater Protection: Enhanced liner systems and groundwater monitoring required for landfills in river proximity. Quarterly monitoring of wells. Immediate response to contamination detections.
• Stormwater Management: Landfills and transfer stations must have comprehensive stormwater plans. Prevent contaminated runoff from reaching waterways. Detention basins, lined ditches, treatment systems.
• Flood Response: Historic Mississippi River floods (1993, 2019) inundated landfills and waste facilities. Emergency response plans required. Debris collection and disposal after floods strains capacity.

Missouri River Corridor (Western/Northern Missouri)

• Similar Protections: Missouri River receives similar regulatory protections. Setbacks, groundwater monitoring, stormwater controls apply to facilities along river.
• Kansas City Metro: Missouri River flows through metro area. Facilities subject to enhanced oversight. Coordination with Kansas regulatory agencies for bi-state impacts.
• Agricultural Runoff: Missouri River watershed includes extensive farming areas. Nutrient loading from agricultural waste (manure spreading) regulated to prevent river contamination.

Wetlands & Tributaries

• Federal Protections: EPA and Army Corps of Engineers regulate wetlands and navigable waters. Waste facility permitting requires wetlands delineation and avoidance/mitigation.
• State Coordination: Missouri DNR coordinates with federal agencies on facility permitting. Multi-layered review process for facilities near sensitive water resources.

Commercial Waste Services

Local Recycling Requirements

• Kansas City: Voluntary commercial recycling. City promotes through outreach and education. Some large businesses voluntarily recycle for sustainability goals. No enforcement mechanisms.
• St. Louis City/County: Voluntary commercial recycling. Some municipalities encourage through incentives. Growing corporate sustainability drives participation in downtown and office markets.
• University Requirements: Mizzou, Washington University, UMKC have campus-wide recycling mandates for buildings and events. Student organizations enforce social pressure for compliance.
• LEED Buildings: Commercial buildings seeking LEED certification must provide recycling and track diversion rates. Drives recycling in new office developments.

Commercial Service Costs

• 2-yard Bin: $140-$290/month (1-2x/week service)
• 4-yard Bin: $265-$490/month (2-3x/week service)
• 6-yard Bin: $375-$680/month (3-5x/week service)
• 8-yard Bin: $490-$900/month (3-6x/week service)
• Compactor Service: $750-$2,000/month depending on size and frequency
• Recycling Service: Often 20-35% lower than trash rates to incentivize diversion. Single-stream recycling in commercial bins.

Construction & Demolition (C&D) Debris

• No State Mandate: Missouri does not require C&D recycling percentages. Voluntary diversion driven by economics and LEED projects.
• Materials Recovered: Concrete crushed for road base and aggregate. Metals scrapped for value. Wood chipped for mulch, boiler fuel, or animal bedding. Drywall, asphalt roofing, brick recycling limited but growing.
• Disposal Costs: $38-$68/ton at C&D landfills vs. $45-$85/ton at MSW landfills. Recycling often cost-neutral or cheaper when factoring haul distances and tipping fees.
• Facilities: Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia metro areas have dedicated C&D processing and disposal facilities. Some landfills accept mixed C&D, others require source separation.
• Contractor Practices: Progressive contractors voluntarily recycle to reduce disposal costs and meet project sustainability goals. LEED projects require documentation of diversion rates (typically 50-75% minimum).

Finding Local Services

How to Identify Your Provider

• Kansas City, MO: Most addresses receive city Environmental Management Division service. Call (816) 513-1313 to confirm coverage and set up service. Suburban cities may have franchise agreements or competitive markets.
• St. Louis City: City Refuse Division provides service in city proper. Call (314) 353-8400 to confirm address coverage and schedules.
• St. Louis County: Highly competitive market. Multiple haulers serve most areas. Check with municipality for franchised providers or shop multiple companies for best rates.
• Springfield: Republic Services provides city-contracted service to most addresses. Call (417) 864-1904 or Republic customer service to set up.
• Columbia: City contracts with private haulers. Call city utilities (573) 874-7380 to identify provider for your address.
• Other Cities: Contact city hall or county solid waste department to identify franchised haulers, service requirements, or competitive market options for your address.
• Rural Areas: Competitive markets with multiple haulers available. Ask neighbors for recommendations. Shop multiple providers for pricing and service levels.

Service Complaints

• Municipal Services: Contact city public works department for missed pickups, damaged property, service issues. Kansas City: (816) 513-1313. St. Louis: (314) 353-8400.
• Private Haulers: Contact hauler customer service first. If franchised provider, file complaint with city/county franchise administrator for persistent issues.
• DNR Enforcement: Report illegal dumping, unpermitted facilities, environmental violations via Missouri DNR hotline (800) 361-4827 or online at DNR.mo.gov/complaints
• Attorney General: File complaints about fraudulent business practices, billing disputes, or contract violations with Missouri Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.

Key Resources

• Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Solid Waste Management Program. DNR.mo.gov/waste | (800) 361-4827
• Kansas City Environmental Management Division: KCMO.gov/city-services/trash-recycling | (816) 513-1313
• St. Louis Refuse Division: StLouis-mo.gov/government/departments/street/refuse | (314) 353-8400
• Missouri Recycling Association: Statewide nonprofit promoting recycling and waste reduction. MissouriRecyclingAssociation.org
• University of Missouri Extension: Provides waste management resources for communities and agriculture. Extension.missouri.edu
• Keep Missouri Beautiful: Affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Litter prevention and beautification programs. KeepMissouriBeautiful.org

Get Waste Service Quotes

Ready to set up or compare waste services in Missouri? Get free quotes from haulers serving your area: