Some Burr Ridge residents could see their garbage bill cut in half if the village goes with a communitywide scavenger service.
A proposal from Groot Industries would see residents pay $16.85 per month for the hauling away of unlimited garbage, recycling and yard waste. Trustee Guy Franzese noted he now pays $36 per month.
Franzese pointed out that not only would the single hauler be a significant cost-savings for most residents, it would also cut down on the wear and tear on village roads from trucks of the four different waste haulers serving the village.
“Every company has two trucks. That’s eight trucks on village roads per week,” Franzese said. “We would see a three-quarter reduction in garbage truck traffic and each garbage truck weighs 54,000 pounds.”
The village has been considering the move to one scavenger service for more than a year. Village administrator Steve Stricker said that six bids were submitted, with Groot being the lowest bidder.
“I am excited about the proposal,” Stricker said.
Village officials will meet April 5 with representatives of various homeowner associations in town to go over the proposal.
“We will be meeting with them to get their input,” Stricker said.
Homeowner associations would have the option to opt out of the villagewide contract and stay with their own garbage provider. If they would later join the villagewide contract, they would not be allowed to opt out again, according to Stricker.
Meetings with residents to discuss the proposal will be conducted April 12 and 20.
The Village Board could consider the villagewide refuse contract at its May 8 meeting, Stricker said. He said the contract could begin Aug. 1.
Stricker said the $16.85 would be the monthly rate residents would pay.
“There are no hidden charges, no administrative fees,” Stricker said.
The contract with Groot would be for three years, with 3 percent increases the second and third years of the deal, Stricker said.
Burr Ridge has an estimated 3,860 residential units and a population of 10,559, according to the 2000 U.S. Census and village records.
This would be the village’s first franchise agreement for refuse, landscape waste and curbside recycling.
Village officials also hope that one communitywide waste hauler will bring enhanced recycling and other environmental-friendly program offerings.
Kevin Beese is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press
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