Huntley saves on garbage deal
In an effort to get residents a better deal on garbage, recycling and yard waste pickup, Huntley is following the lead of most suburban communities its size by contracting with a single waste hauler.
The Huntley village board voted Thursday night to allow the village to enter into a contract with Marengo Disposal -- trimming the number of garbage collectors rumbling down Huntley streets from four to one.
"We finally got a garbage program. It's about time," said Trustee Pam Fender, who championed the switch to a single hauler. "We're also avoiding six trucks going up and down the same streets every week."
Residents will pay about $16 per month in the first year of the program, compared with the $17.50 Marengo charges its Huntley customers now, according to village estimates.
But the cost savings will be even greater because residents now pay extra to get rid of yard waste and bulk items.
The contract Huntley is likely to approve includes yard waste pickup from April 1 to Nov. 30 and allows residents to dispose of one bulk item per week.
In addition, most residents will get a 65-gallon recycling toter and a 95-gallon garbage toter, which can be traded for a smaller container if needed.
Residents 55 and older will be able to receive a discount, which will cut their garbage bill to $13.50 per month. Residents who receive the senior discount would get a 35-gallon garbage toter.
The garbage contract, which is scheduled to begin Jan. 1, 2008, would not include Del Webb's Sun City, which is in the middle of a contract with Waste Management. Del Webb could be added to contract when its current contract is up.
Billing will be quarterly -- as it is in haulers' existing contracts with residents.
Meanwhile, the move to one waste hauler may pave the way for a leaf burning ban in the village. Trustees who support such a ban wanted the garbage contract in place first so residents would have a way to get rid of their yard waste.
And then there was 1
In January, Huntley residents will all be served by one hauler, Marengo Disposal, instead of the current four. Here's what you'll get under the new contract:
• A $16 monthly fee; Marengo now charges $17.50
• Weekly pickup of yard waste and one bulk item
• A 95-gallon garbage toter and 65-gallon recycling toter
• A senior discount for residents 55 and older: garbage pickup for $13.50 per month
Source: Village of Huntley