Mississippi’s largest city will stop curbside recycling collections by month’s end.

Jackson Public Works Director Bob Miller tells the Clarion Ledger the program is indefinitely suspended, in part because China’s demand for recycled materials has fallen.

Officials say more than 300 cities nationwide have stopped curbside collections. Jackson is referring residents to private collectors and says it’s seeking drop-off alternatives. Residents will get at least one more curbside collection before Sept. 1.

Miller says while city has been spending $1.15 million annually for curbside pickup, less than a third of residents participate.

He says Jackson will consider restarting curbside recycling when the marketplace “reorganizes itself.”

Waste Management, which collects Jackson’s garbage and recycling, argues the city can’t cut recycling from its contract. Jackson officials disagree and haven’t paid for months.