When he first heard about the possibility of a village-wide garbage contract, longtime Burr Ridge resident Bob Grela was opposed to it.
“I firmly believe that less government is the best government,” said the outspoken former village trustee and Plan Commission member.
However, Grela, like many other residents, changed his tune when he saw the deal obtained by the village going down to one waste hauler.
“I believe this is outstanding for the government and for the residents of the village of Burr Ridge,” Grela said Monday before the Village Board vote.
What was seen as a long-shot three years ago because of many homeowner associations having their own contracts with waste haulers became reality with a unanimous vote to go to a village-wide waste hauler. No residents spoke out in opposition.
Burr Ridge residents will get collection of unlimited refuse, recycling and landscaping waste for $16.85 per month. Senior citizens (65 and older) will receive a 4.5 percent discount, paying $16.10 per month.
Trustee Guy Franzese, who spearheaded the effort, said the deal represents significant savings for residents. He noted that his father pays $142 every three months for garbage service and that he pays $112 every three months.
“The village can enter into an agreement. The village can negotiate on behalf of all of the residents and take advantage of the 3,600-plus households, negotiate the best price possible for residents,” Franzese said.
Village administrator Steve Stricker said many homeowners would see an annual savings of $200 to $300 with the change.
The village-wide scavenger services with Groot Industries will begin Aug. 3.
Residents south of 79th Street will have their garbage picked up Thursdays. Residents north of 79th Street will have their garbage picked up Fridays.
The five-year contract with Groot provides the Elk Grove Village-based company with a 2.5 percent annual increase.
Residents will be able to put bulk items, such as a couch, out for pick-up at no additional cost. White goods (refrigerators, freezers, ovens, washers, dryers and dishwashers) can be discarded for a $25 fee by contacting Groot for a special pick-up.
Two additional services are being offered to residents:
* Top of Drive: where residents bring their garbage and recycling carts to the curb and the hauler will return the carts to the top of the driveway (not exceeding 100 feet) for $24.85 per month.
* Backdoor refuse: where the hauler will collect refuse from the top of the drive (not exceeding 100 feet) for $33.70 per month. Recycling and landscape waste must still be taken to the curb.
Franzese said the move to one hauler increases safety by reducing the number of refuse trucks from 12 with four licensed waste haulers down to three with one waste hauler.
“It is much less wear and tear on our roads because of these trucks, less fuel consumed, therefore, less emissions in our neighborhoods, and, of course, less noise,” Franzese said.
Individual homeowner associations would have the right to opt out of the village-wide contract and stick with their own waste hauler if they choose. The same goes for any resident who may have a lower cost per month with Groot, Stricker said. They would not be forced to join the village contract.
Stricker noted that through hard work after the goal of one waste hauler was set three years, the village has provided “what we believe is a really excellent program.”
Trustee Al Paveza said he has been stopped numerous times by residents over the past few weeks and told their support for the village-wide waste hauling.
“Several of them have been upset because of what they were paying,” Paveza said.
Kevin Beese is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press
