St. Louis City Council Plans New Drop-Off Recycling Locations and Waste Management Changes

The City of St. Louis is making significant changes to its recycling program, with a focus on enhancing drop-off locations and improving waste management efficiency. During the Public Infrastructure & Utilities Committee meeting on August 14, 2025, city officials announced the discontinuation of alley recycling services, urging residents to utilize designated drop-off sites instead.

In the next 90 days, the city plans to increase the number of drop-off locations by 50%, adding at least 13 new sites to the existing 25. The goal is to ensure that every resident has a drop-off point within a mile of their home, making recycling more accessible despite the loss of curbside service. Officials emphasized that while alleyway dumpsters will remain for solid waste, they will be clearly marked to avoid confusion.

The committee also discussed plans for an audit of service accounts to ensure that all properties receiving waste services are paying the appropriate fees. Additionally, there will be a modernization initiative for refuse collection trucks, transitioning from paper maps to tablet-based navigation to improve route efficiency.

Looking ahead, the city aims to engage with community organizations to explore enhanced recycling options and address illegal dumping through increased fines and detection measures. The meeting concluded with a call for public testimony, inviting community input on the proposed changes.