Elmhurst Trash Rates Do Not Discourage Waste: Official

Elmhurst IL

02 March, 2021

7:18 AM

Description

ELMHURST, IL — The Elmhurst City Council on Monday approved 6 percent rate increases over two years for the use of rollout containers. But one alderman dissented, saying the rates do little to discourage waste. The monthly rates for 35- and 65-gallon containers are about the same, increasing to $18.53 and $19.32, respectively, by next year. The larger container costs about $10 more annually than the smaller one. The quick debate over the rates resembled the one a year ago. "I don't believe that continuing the high cost per gallon for the smaller toters relative to the large toters is an appropriate path and something that goes against our sustainability plan and what we try to get our residents to do — recycle more and threw out less waste," Ward 3 Alderman Michael Bram said. Ward 7 Alderman Mike Brennan said the city is passing the costs from its garbage company, Phoenix-based Republic Services. "I believe the costs should be distributed to all users, regardless of toter size," he said. Brennan said he was replacing his 95-gallon container after 22 years, which he said demonstrates its durability. "I have a 95-gallon toter because five times a year, I need it. The rest of the time, it's not more than half full, especially now that my four kids are off to college. Just because I have a 95-gallon toter doesn't mean I'm unsupportive of sustainability. I strongly believe in sustainability," Brennan said. "The larger toter also enables me to put the toter on the curb without worrying about my garbage blowing in the street or worse, my neighbor's front yard." According to a city memo, the city's five-year contract with Republic calls for increases of about 3 percent annually. In 2019 and 2020, garbage service revenue was less than the program's expenses, in part because of storm cleanup services, the memo said. The City Council voted 13-1 for the new rates, with Bram voting no. Residents are set to see 3 percent increases on April 1, 2021, and April 1, 2022.