Elburn to Stay With Waste Management

Elburn village officials reviewed proposals from four refuse collection firms but have decided to remain with current provider Waste Management, whose current contract with the village expires at the end of the month.

“Four companies responded. Waste Management was the lowest proposal, and they agreed to keep the same rate for another year,” said Elburn village administrator David Morrison. After that, the rate will go up 3 percent each year.

Residents are currently paying $13.16 per month for the collection of all refuse, recycling and yard waste.

Elburn officials have also agreed that they will not switch to a trash sticker system and will continue to bill residents directly for service.

Now only one question remains.

“To tote or not to tote,” as stated by Morrison.

Board members must decide whether to provide residents with “toters” for their recyclables. A toter is a 64-gallon recycling cart with a hinged lid, which could potential make recyclables easier to carry and keep them from getting blown around neighborhoods.

“It’s a minimum amount to throw the cart in for recycling,” said Tom Kleczewski, municipality marketing manager for Waste Management. “You’ve enhanced service for the entire village if you have carts.”

If toters are added to Elburn’s new contract, the rate for trash collection will be $14.50 per month with the 3 percent increase for a three-year contract. A five-year contract would enable the village to recover the costs of the toters, which would give residents a lower rate of $13.97 per month.

However, some trustees are not convinced that toters are necessary for residents.

Trustees are expected to finalize their contract with Waste Management at Monday night’s village board meeting.