Garbage pickup rates to decrease in Algonquin

Algonquin residents will have a price reduction in garbage collection services starting Sept. 1.

The village entered into a new contract with its current waste hauler, Groot.

Sticker customers will see rates drop from $3.50 a sticker to $3 a sticker, for a 14% decrease. Garbage cart customers’ rates will decrease 25%, from $24 a month to $18 a month.

Curbside recycling service will continue, and so will the document shredding event and spring cleanup.

Minor changes are coming to the curbside electronics recycling program. The rate for these will be $30 for up to six items.

The new contract also includes an additional week of leaf and brush collection in the spring.

The village issued a request for proposals for garbage, recycling and yard waste collection services in the fall of 2018.

Mike Kumbera, assistant village manager, said the village received four bids.

“Groot has been our incumbent provider,” he said. “They know the community.”

He said the company has also improved operations since they first began working with Algonquin.

Groot submitted the lowest price acceptable bid, according to a news release from the village.

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