Garbage rates set to drop this fall in Algonquin

Algonquin residents will see a significant drop in garbage collection rates this fall.

Last year, the village issued requests for proposal for refuse, recycling and yard waste collection services to obtain the lowest prices possible. Out of the four vendors who submitted proposals, Groot Industries, the current provider, submitted the lowest acceptable bid, according to the village.

Sticker customers will see rates drop 14 percent from $3.50 a sticker to $3 a sticker, while refuse cart customers will see rates decrease 22 percent from $24 a month to $18.80 a month.

“We’re very pleased with the outcome of the process,” Village President John Schmitt said in a statement. “Residents will retain their choice for stickers or carts, realize meaningful cost savings and have the same familiar service with Groot as the hauler.”

Residents will retain their curbside recycling service at no charge during the duration of the contract. Other services that will not change in the new contract with Groot include a document-shredding event, spring cleanup and curbside electronics recycling.

New rates and the service expansion will be effective Sept. 1 upon expiration of the village’s current contract with Groot.

Two programs

Groot is the largest independent solid waste management services provider in Illinois, according to the company’s website.

Algonquin residents have the option to participate in the sticker program or cart subscription program.

The sticker service program includes weekly curbside collection of unlimited household solid waste placed in bags or containers not to exceed 32 gallons or 50 pounds. One prepaid sticker must be attached to each bag or can set out for collection, according to village documents.

The alternative trash cart program includes weekly curbside collection of household solid waste placed in a 95-gallon cart provided by Groot. Household solid waste items placed outside the cart will require the use of prepaid stickers attached to each bag or can. Each container is not to exceed 32 gallons or 50 pounds.