Pleasant Hill Renews Hazardous Waste Agreement for 2026
PLEASANT HILL, Mo. — The Pleasant Hill City Council on Monday approved an agreement with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) to continue the city’s participation in the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program for 2026.
The annual agreement will cost the city $10,104.96, which is calculated at $1.14 per capita based on Pleasant Hill’s 2024 population estimate. The renewal ensures residents will have access to safe, year-round disposal for paint, motor oil, lawn chemicals, batteries, and other hazardous household materials.
“This program gives our residents access to regional collection sites and mobile events,” Interim City Administrator Nici Wilson said during the meeting. “Because this program operates on a calendar year, and our city budget runs from April through March, we’ll need to bring back a budget amendment to align the funding.”
The city has partnered with MARC’s regional HHW network for more than a decade. The program offers permanent drop-off facilities in Lee’s Summit and Kansas City, Missouri, as well as rotating collection events in Cass County and surrounding areas. Residents can dispose of accepted materials at no charge by showing proof of Pleasant Hill residency.
Wilson said continuing the partnership remains one of the most cost-effective environmental services available to smaller cities. The regional model allows municipalities to share costs while ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental standards.
According to MARC’s 2024 annual report, the HHW program diverted nearly one million pounds of hazardous materials from local landfills and waterways across the Kansas City region. The program is funded jointly through city participation fees and managed under the MARC Solid Waste Management District.
Mayor John King supported the renewal, emphasizing the program’s environmental benefits. “This is one of those services people don’t always think about, but it has a big impact,” King said. “It keeps paint, chemicals, and motor oil out of our sewers and streams. I’m glad to see we’re continuing it.”
City staff said details about 2026 collection dates will be posted once MARC finalizes the regional schedule. In the meantime, residents can visit www.recyclespot.org for year-round drop-off information and a full list of accepted materials.
The council approved the agreement unanimously.