The City of Columbia authorized an application to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for waste reduction and recycling equipment grant funding totaling $297,639.72, intended to cover approximately 70% of the cost for a second municipal recycling truck.

City staff said household participation in the city recycling program has increased to more than 42 percent, creating a need for a second vehicle because the existing truck cannot complete collections within one week. Municipal staff noted the city has used this TDEC grant program previously to purchase recycling trucks.

The resolution (25-33) to ratify the application and authorize the mayor to accept and administer the grant project was moved, seconded and approved by council. City staff said the grant will speed collection and expand recycling capacity and that the May dashboard and weekly newsletter will include updated program metrics.

Council members thanked staff for outreach and education efforts, including events during National Litter Awareness Month that engaged children and residents in recycling demonstrations.