As we make this shift later this spring, you will begin to see updates to Wentzville’s solid-waste program. While the way services are managed will change, the quality of solid-waste services you receive will remain the same. These updates are part of a long-term effort to enhance operations and create a more consistent customer experience across the community. We understand that transitions take time, and we appreciate your patience as the City and Meridian work together to make this process as smooth as possible. Meridian will share full details directly with its solid-waste customers in early 2026.
Current Service Updates
- As we make this shift later this spring, residents will begin to see updates to Wentzville’s Meridian will continue to be Wentzville’s solid-waste provider, so the service you receive at the curb each week will look similar.
- Your trash/recycling/yard-waste pickup days will remain the same.
- Meridian will continue to offer free large-item pickup — up to three items per quarter.
- Weekly yard-waste service (March–December) will remain the same, but must be collected in a Meridian Waste–issued yard-waste cart, brown biodegradable bags or properly bundled branches. Personal carts will no longer be accepted.
- Don’t need weekly yard-waste service? You can continue to schedule one-time yard-waste bag pickups for $4/bag (with a minimum $12 charge).
- Single-stream recycling will continue to be provided at no additional cost.
New Program Details
- Meridian will provide all customer service support, and solid waste billing will shift to quarterly statements directly from Meridian. For most residents, your average monthly cost will decrease.
- You will continue to receive a monthly water/sewer bill from the City.
- Your trash, recycling and yard-waste carts will also be replaced as part of the transition. The new carts will be embedded with an electronic tag that will help track collections.
- You will need to schedule and pay for any extra bags placed outside of your cart (at a cost of $3 per bag). Need more room for trash? Residents may rent additional solid waste carts for $5 per cart per month.
- As mentioned above, personal yard waste carts will no longer be serviced.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new contract with Meridian Waste begin?
The new service agreement begins on May 1, 2026, and will be in place through April 30, 2031. The City reserves the option to renew the agreement for an additional year based on performance, which would extend the contract through April 30, 2032.
Will my current solid waste rate increase?
The majority of residents will see an overall decrease in their average monthly rates for trash and recycling services. Households that opt in to additional services (yard waste, additional carts, additional pickup days) may see a slight increase. Meridian Waste will bill residents quarterly. Residents who would like to compare current rates to the new rates can refer to the Solid Waste Pricing Comparison chart.
Will my collection day change?
No. All collection days will remain the same.
Will I get new solid waste carts?
Yes, Meridian Waste will provide new carts and dispose of old carts for all residents. This will include trash, recycling and yard waste carts. These new carts will include RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) chips for automated tracking and monitoring. Carts will also be designated colors, making it easier to distinguish between trash, recycling and yard waste. The colors will be as follows:
- Trash – Blue
- Recycling – Green
- Yard Waste – Brown
When will my new carts be delivered?
Meridian Waste is still finalizing the logistics of new cart delivery in the upcoming months. This information will be communicated in advance so that residents can ensure all old carts are placed at the curb for pick up.
What size carts will I receive?
- Standard: The default size for trash, recycling and yard waste is 95 gallons.
- Optional: You may request a smaller 65-gallon cart for either trash or recycling, if you prefer.
- Seniors: Residents ages 65 and older may request a 35-gallon compact cart
Can I continue to place trash bags on the ground next to my cart?
Residents may continue placing extra trash bags next to their trash cart, but any extra bags will need to be scheduled ahead of time by calling Meridian Waste and a fee of $3/bag must be paid prior to pickup. If you frequently have extra trash that will not fit in your cart, Meridian Waste can provide additional carts for $5 per cart per month.
Will I still be able to schedule large item pickups quarterly?
Yes. This service is not changing with the new agreement. Beginning May 1, all large-item pickup requests will be made by contacting Meridian Waste directly at (636) 639-7599 or online at www.meridianwaste.com/wentzville.
Will the new carts being delivered be smaller than the current carts Meridian Waste is using?
No. The new carts will hold the same volume as the current carts. The new carts may be a bit taller and the base thinner, but they will be able to hold the same amount of waste. If residents would like a smaller, 65-gallon cart delivered, they can request it by calling (636) 639-7599.
What if I would like to make an immediate change to the current services I have?
Changes to current services can be made by visiting www.wentzvillemo.gov/SWRequests or by calling (636) 639-7599. This includes changes to yard waste services, adding or removing additional carts or requesting a larger or smaller cart.
Will I be charged extra to recycle?
No. All residents will receive one 95-gallon recycle cart that will be collected weekly on your normal trash pickup day. Items that can be placed in your recycle cart include:
- Corrugated cardboard
- Plastics labeled #1, 2, 3, 5 and 7
- Aluminum and tin cans
- Mixed paper
If I currently receive Special Needs Collection Service, will my carts continue to be retrieved from the top of my driveway?
Yes. If you are currently enrolled in this service, Meridian Waste will continue to offer the complimentary Special Needs Collection Service (or “valet” service) for households where all adult residents have disabilities that prevent them from moving carts to the curb. Residents who qualify for this service and would like to enroll can do so by calling (636) 639-7599.
Will Meridian Waste still be providing curbside yard waste service?
Yes. Residents will continue to have multiple options for yard-waste pickup. All yard-waste services will remain opt-in and incur an additional fee.
Weekly Yard-Waste Service
This option is for residents with regular yard waste needs. It operates on a 10-month schedule from March through December and offers weekly curbside pickup. Residents can choose to use a yard-waste cart provided by Meridian Waste or purchase brown, biodegradable yard-waste bags. Residents can also bundle tree branches and place them at the curb for service. The base rate covers the collection of up to 15 items per week (a combination of bags, bundles or carts). This service is $10.40 per month if utilizing yard waste bags or $13.40 per month if using an issued yard-waste cart.
Per-Bag Pickup By Request
This option is for residents with minimal yard waste needs. Residents can choose to use a yard-waste cart provided by Meridian Waste or purchase brown, biodegradable yard-waste bags. This service has a per-bag fee of $4 with a minimum charge of $12 per trip.
Can I continue to use my own store-bought yard waste cart?
No. Residents will need to utilize a Meridian Waste-provided yard waste cart or brown, biodegradable yard waste bags. This will help to improve safety, service efficiency and reliability. Meridian Waste-issued carts are commercial-grade and designed to work with automated collection trucks. Store-bought carts are more likely to be damaged during pickup, posing safety concerns for collection crews. In addition, the new carts provided by Meridian Waste will be equipped with RFID chips that allow their team to track carts, verify service and quickly resolve missed-pickup concerns. Store-bought carts cannot be tracked.
Will my solid waste bill still be combined with my City of Wentzville utility bill?
No. Your solid waste bill will now be separate and come directly from Meridian Waste. You will be billed for your solid waste services quarterly. Residents will have several bill pay options, including:
- Mailing a check to Meridian Waste
- Paying by phone using a credit or debit card
- Setting up autopay, which can be set up online or by calling Meridian
- Making a one-time online payment at www.meridianwaste.com/Wentzville
Residents will continue to receive a water/sewer bill from the City of Wentzville.
How will the City of Wentzville monitor Meridian Waste’s performance?
Under the new agreement, the City of Wentzville will actively monitor Meridian’s performance through a combination of real-time technology, required monthly reporting and accountability measures. The City will have access to on-truck camera systems and tracking software, allowing verification of service activity. In addition, Meridian Waste must submit detailed monthly reports outlining collection volumes, missed pickups, customer service activity, and any safety incidents or claims. Together, these tools ensure transparency, oversight and consistent service performance.