Libertyville host open house on waste hauling plan for businesses
Business owners in Libertyville can get answers regarding potential savings and other aspects of a proposed commercial waste hauling contract during an open house Thursday hosted by the village.
The sessions will be from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave.
“We mailed postcards to all the businesses to let them know they have the ability to ask questions,” said Kelly Amidei, assistant village manager. Information is available at www.libertyvillle.com.
Village officials last year decided to consider a franchise for garbage and recycling services for all businesses. Groot Industries Inc. eventually was selected from among five proposals as the provider, but it has not received final approval.
The village, like some other communities, contends such a move will lower fees, and that a uniform rate would include recycling in the price.
“The goal is to encourage businesses to do more recycling, which is another reason we looked at the franchise,” Amidei said. “This is a way to offer that option at a more affordable price.”
Amidei described the plan as having an economy of scale, with one hauler rather than several serving businesses in town.
According to the village, other aspects of the proposed franchise with Groot would include rate increases restricted to once a year at the rate of inflation, additional surcharges and decreased truck traffic and noise.
The open house is being held in advance of a required public hearing scheduled during the village board’s regular meeting at 8 p.m. Tuesday at village hall. Officials will then vote on the proposal with Groot. If approved, that would start a 15-month waiting period during which the company will meet with individual businesses to discuss service options.
Libertyville is among only a few Lake County communities that have gone this route. Highland Park and Highwood have had the commercial service, and Grayslake officials this week approved a contract for waste hauling and recycling for businesses and multifamily dwellings.
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, which recently made a presentation in Gurnee, has estimated 90 percent of businesses will save an average of 55 percent in the waste hauling costs.
The national Solid Wastes Management Association Illinois Chapter has opposed commercial franchise agreements as a “cookie-cutter approach,” and that competition would result in lower prices and better service.