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1. Who can I contact about trash or garbage that is piling up?

Disposal of garbage in Springfield and Greene County is the responsibility of the property owner, and all trash pick-up within the city and county is handled by private hauling companies, not local governments.


Complaints about unattended garbage inside the City of Springfield can be directed to the City's Public Information Department at (417) 864-1010 or via an online form linked below. The city's Building Development Services Department is responsible for inspecting and enforcing such complaints. If BDS inspectors find a potential health issue such as rodents or other pests, they will contact the health department for a follow-up. Complaints in unincorporated Greene County should be directed to the County's Planning & Zoning office at (417) 864-4005.

Here are some questions you will need to answer if you file a complaint about trash: What is the exact street address of the property in question? Can inspectors view the trash from the public right-of-way without having to trespass? If not, would the person filing the complaint be willing to let the inspector onto their property so the inspector can see what they see?

Citizen Service Request Online Form

2. What can I do about black mold in my residence?

Not all dark or black-colored mold is the kind of mold that might make someone sick. While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous. Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. There is always a little mold everywhere - in the air and on many surfaces. There are very few reports that toxigenic molds found inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions.


There are no laws or codes specifically dealing with mold in rental properties. There are rules about structural and/or safety issues that could lead to mold (such as a hole in exterior walls or leaking roofs) but not the mold itself. It would be a matter between the tenant and/or the landlord, and if there’s a problem between them it would become a civil matter for the courts. Our advice on these issues is to get plenty of photo documentation and conduct all correspondence in writing. If you do wish to file a complaint, the best place to do so is with the City’s Public Information Department by calling (417) 864-1010.


In most cases mold can be removed from hard surfaces by a thorough cleaning with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Absorbent or porous materials like ceiling tiles, drywall, and carpet may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. If you have an extensive amount of mold and you do not think you can manage the cleanup on your own, you may want to contact a professional who has experience in cleaning mold in buildings and homes. More information from the Centers for Disease Control can be found at the link below.

CDC Facts About Mold