The recent snowstorm that blanketed the Kansas City metro area with approximately 15 to 18 inches of snow has led to significant disruptions in municipal services, particularly affecting trash and recycling pickups. As city resources are redirected to manage snow removal and ensure public safety, several municipalities have announced adjustments to their waste collection schedules.
Impact on Trash Pickup Services
The substantial snowfall has necessitated the deployment of city crews to focus on clearing roads and maintaining essential services. Consequently, trash and recycling collections have been delayed or rescheduled in various parts of the metro area.
Kansas City, Missouri
In Kansas City, Missouri, trash and recycling services scheduled for Monday and Tuesday have been canceled to allow drivers to concentrate on treating roads during the snowstorm. Residents affected by this cancellation are permitted to leave two additional bags at the curb during their next scheduled pickup without requiring bag tags.
Olathe, Kansas
Olathe has announced that there will be no trash collection on Monday, January 6. All solid waste collection services will be rescheduled by one day, with pickups occurring from Tuesday through Saturday.
Liberty, Missouri
Liberty’s Monday trash and recycling collection is postponed, with services operating on a one-day delay throughout the week. This means Monday’s collection will occur on Tuesday, Tuesday’s on Wednesday, and so forth.
Kansas City, Kansas
In Kansas City, Kansas, Waste Management has announced delays in trash and recycling pickups due to the weather. If conditions permit, Monday’s route will be serviced on Tuesday, with subsequent collections delayed by one day throughout the week.
Prairie Village, Kansas
Republic Services, responsible for waste collection in Prairie Village, will not operate trucks on Monday due to the winter storm. As a result, all trash services will experience at least a one-day delay throughout the week.
GFL Environmental Services
GFL, which provides trash services to several area communities, including Mission, North Kansas City, and Belton, suspended services on Monday. To expedite the resumption of normal services, GFL will not collect yard waste for the week of January 6 but will accommodate double the amount of yard waste during the week of January 13. The exact date for the resumption of regular services has not been specified.
Adjusted Trash Pickup Schedules
| Municipality | Original Pickup Day | Rescheduled Pickup Day(s) | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | Monday, Jan 6 | Canceled | Two extra bags allowed next pickup without bag tags. |
| Kansas City, MO | Tuesday, Jan 7 | Canceled | Two extra bags allowed next pickup without bag tags. |
| Olathe, KS | Monday, Jan 6 | Tuesday, Jan 7 – Saturday, Jan 11 | Collection delayed by one day for all customers. |
| Liberty, MO | Monday, Jan 6 | Tuesday, Jan 7 | One-day delay throughout the week. |
| Liberty, MO | Tuesday, Jan 7 | Wednesday, Jan 8 | One-day delay throughout the week. |
| Kansas City, KS | Monday, Jan 6 | Tuesday, Jan 7 | Weather permitting; subsequent days delayed by one day. |
| Prairie Village, KS | Monday, Jan 6 | Tuesday, Jan 7 | At least a one-day delay all week. |
| Mission, KS (GFL) | Monday, Jan 6 | To Be Announced | Yard waste collection suspended for the week. |
| North Kansas City, MO (GFL) | Monday, Jan 6 | To Be Announced | Yard waste collection suspended for the week. |
| Belton, MO (GFL) | Monday, Jan 6 | To Be Announced | Yard waste collection suspended for the week. |
Recommendations for Residents
Residents are advised to:
- Stay Updated: Monitor local news outlets and official city websites for the latest information on service rescheduling and weather conditions.
- Prepare Waste Accordingly: Follow the adjusted schedules and guidelines provided by local waste management services to ensure timely collection.
- Ensure Accessibility: Keep sidewalks and areas around trash bins clear of snow to facilitate easy access for collection crews.
- Exercise Patience: Understand that delays are implemented to prioritize public safety and efficient snow removal operations.
FAQs
Why is my trash pickup delayed after the snowstorm?
Trash pickups are delayed to allow city crews to focus on clearing roads and ensuring public safety during and after significant snowfall.
How can I find out my rescheduled trash pickup day?
Check your municipality’s official website or contact local waste management services for updated schedules.
Am I allowed to put out extra trash bags due to the missed pickup?
Policies vary by city. For example, Kansas City, MO, allows two additional bags without bag tags during the next scheduled pickup. Verify with your local services.
