Politics & Government

Grayslake Village Board to Hold Public Hearing on Commercial Waste Haulers

The Village of Grayslake will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, prior to the start of the regular board meeting at 7 p.m., to discuss seeking competitive pricing related to garbage and recycling collection for businesses.

As a result of a survey of local businesses conducted by the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce and Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO), the village is considering the solicitation of bids for a single commercial waste and recycling franchise that could produce a cost savings of 35 to 40 percent.

The proposed franchise would only apply to businesses. Residential garbage and recycling service would continue under the village’s current contract with Waste Management, according to the village. There would not be a residential rate increase.

The village would only award a franchise if, based on the competitive pricing received, most businesses would save money.

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A public hearing on the matter has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19, before the regular board meeting. No franchise will be awarded at this meeting.

The potential benefits of awarding a franchise to a single waste hauler are as follows:

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• Lower costs for most businesses; a few businesses may have higher costs.
• Uniform rates for garbage and recycling services.
• No “special” surcharges.
• Rate increases limited to once a year and restricted to the rate of inflation.
• Less truck traffic resulting in less wear and tear on streets and a reduction in greenhouse gasses.

In addition, individual businesses would be able to select the container size and pick-up frequency that meets their needs. The costs for garbage and recycling service would be based on the container size and pick-up frequency and would not include any additional fees or taxes from the village.

According to the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO), two communities in Lake County, Highland Park and Highwood, recently awarded franchises for commercial garbage and recycling services. In Highland Park, 82 percent of businesses reduced their garbage and recycling costs. In Highwood, 100 percent of businesses reduced their costs.

If you have questions regarding commercial garbage and recycling services, please contact the Village’s Request for Service System at (847) 223-8515.

Village Considering Single Hauler for Commercial Waste and Recycling


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